CCS 
.\-5-S. 






" REPORT OF EYIBI^CE ' 

TAKEN WV.VOW' (t\^ 

HE Military Committee i 

IN 11 ELATION TO OUTllAGKS COMMITTED 



THE KU KLUX KLAN 

in' middle AXD west TENNESSEE. 



vrHMlTTKI) TO THE 



Extra Session of the Tliirty-Fiftli General Assembly 

or 

THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, 

September 9d, 1868. 



i 

ll NASHVILLE, TENN.: 

S. G. MERCEE, PRIMER TO THE STATE. 



1863. 



I 



' ^-^fT.M^.'-.Vf 



REPORT 

OP 

TAKEN BEFOKE 

The Military Committee 

IN kelatiojSt to outrages 

Committed by the Ku Kliix Klan 

IN MIDDLE AND WEST TENNESSEE. 



SUBMITTED TO THE 



Extra Session of the Thirty-Fifth General Assembly 

OF THE 

STATE OF TENNESSEE, 

Wednesday, the 3iid day of September, 1868. 



ORDERED PRINTED. 



NASHVILLE, TENN: 
S. C. MEECER, PRINTER TO THE STATE. 

1868. 



7- 



L, :,„»Uy OF 0'(j.:G,Vb".'J3 



WT5I0N OF DOCUliE;;^!. 



J 



E VIDElSrCE. 



Mk. Speaker: — 

The following is the sworn testimony taken before 
your Committee on Military, in regard to the outrages com- 
mitted by the Ku Klux Klan in Middle and West Tennessee. 

Respectfully, 

W. J. Smith, 
Chairman Committee on Military. 



Testimony of Ceo. F. Bowles. 

Question. What is your name, age, residence, occupation; and 
have you been molested by any person or persons, if so, by whom ? 

Ans. My name is George F. Bowles, my age is 24 years, I am now 
stopping in the city of Nashville, and have been since July 7th, 
1868. Was, before the late war a resident of Fayette county, Ten- 
nessee; was, by occupation, a fai'mer; came to Pulaski, Giles county, 
Tennessee, in the year 1865, when I followed harboring up to about 
July, 1866, when I went into the grocery business, in which busi- 
ness I remained until about June, 1867; when I took up a colored 
school near Cornersville, Giles county, Tennessee. I succeeded in 
getting along with said school perfectly agreeable, as far as I could 
learn, to about the 15th January, 1868, Avhen a band of about 
twelve masked persons came to my boarding house and asked who 
lived there, changing their voices; on being answered, they fur- 
ther enquired if there was a white man stopping there, when an- 
swered that there was not, asked the gentleman of the house who 
he voted for, when he told them that he did not vote for any one; 
they then asked him if he belonged to the Union League; he told 



( 4 

them lie did not. There being two other gentlemen in the house 
with myself, they asked us who we voted for. One of the gentle- 
men answered, we voted for no one; which they disputed, saying, 

he told a d d lie, that we voted for Brownlow, and that they did 

not want to hear of our voting for him again; that if they did that 
they would send us to hell or heaven, one. They then asked if there 
was any one in the house which belonged to the Union League ; was 
answered there was not. They said we had better not, leaving, say- 
ing, that they would call on us again. Within about one half an 
hour they returned, entered the house, broke open my valise, and 
searched my papers, finding one letter — which was written to me 
by a political ftiend — which they read to Klan, which had increased 
to about fifty in number. They then left, saying, they would re- 
turn soon. 

I was not distured any more until about the 26th of June, 1868, 
on, or about which time, one of my students found in my school 
house, a note, a copy of which is as follows: 

"CoKNEKSViLLE, Tenn., June 25th, 1868. 
" You, the Trustees of the Colored School and Church: 

"Sirs: — This is to notify you, that you cannot have any 
more schools, or gatherings of any kind, at your present location 
on the pike. You must move it to some more private place, so that 
you will not come in collision with the white people. Take warn- 
ing in time. 

"We say to you, Bowles, don't attempt to teach any longer at the 
place you are at, for you cannot do it." 

The same day my school was to turn out for an exhibition at 
night, it being the close of the session. About 12 o'clock, M., 
a crowd of about 10 men, unmasked, passed my school, and re- 
marked that, "they intended to come up that night and make you 
negroes hunt your holes, so prepare to meet your God." 

I then called upon the Recorder of the village, and he said he 
could give me no help, as my school was out of the corporation. 
I called upon a number of the citizens, who advised me to suspend 
my exhibition, which I did. There being some persons remaining 
on the school house grounds where they were visited about 9 
o'clock, P. M., by a band of about 12 or 14 men, who formed in 
line and gave three cheers for Jeflf Davis, and the Ku Klux Klan. 
They then dismounted, with pistols in hand, and came in the crowd 
of men and women, and commenced using obscene language, 



when the crowd began to scatter. There was a number of colored 
men who had armed and hid themselves somewhere near by, who sur- 
rounded this band and arrested a part of the number. When cap- 
tured, they declared that "they only did what they had through fun." 
They were then released, leaving in the direction of Cornersville. 
The crowd then broke up; part of them, however, mec again within 
about half-a-mile from there. Some 25 men passing said party 
quietly: after passing them some 200 yards, the party fired a vol- 
ley and fled from the place. 

The following Saturday night, about 9 o'clock, P. M., a squad 
of men passed the school house in the directiuu of Cornersville. 
Some half an hour after said party passed, we were waited upon by 
some citizens of the town, and advised to break up our meeting, 
which was a Debating Society, or that we would be fired upon by a 
band of armed men, who were then in town. We acted as advised. 

The following Saturday night there was a large party, number- 
in^T some 200 or more, came to Cornersville and enquired as to 
where I was. This party was armed and maaked. Proceeded in 
the direction of Pulaski. Went to Mr. Marchbank's and shot and 
killed Mr. M. Burklo — so I was informed by Mr. Marchbanks, 
himself. 

On Monday following, I was advised by the citizens of Corners- 
ville to leave the place. They stated that they believed that I 
was unsafe there that night. The house where I was boarding, 
was visited by a party in mask, who enquired for me, at the same 
time making threats. 

I left next morning, fully believing that if I remained there, 
that I would be killed by them. I am now in the City of Nash- 
ville Tennessee. Other colored people are here from that place to 
preserve their lives. Geo. F. Bowles. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 31st day of July, 1868. 

W. J. Smitu, Chairman Com. 

Uvidence of Pink Harris. 

What is your name, age, residence, occupation? Do you know 
anything of an organization known as the Ku Klux Klan; if so, state 
all you know of it ? 

My name is Pink Harris, my age is 23 years; am a former by 
occupation; reside on Bradshaw Creek, Giles county, Tennessee. I 
saw them in mask about two hundred in number, at a church in my 
settlement. This was in April, as well as I can remember. I saw them 



again in same month, two in number. They came to my house 
masked and armed, and knocked at my door. My son opened the 
door and tohl me that there were Ku Klux at the door. I then 
went to the door, and they called for water. I gave it to them. 
After that they asked if I did not have a pistol. I answered, I did.\ 
They asked to see it. They took it away with them, and ordered 
me to say nothing about it, saying, if I did, that they would place the 
rope which he had, around my neck, and they then left me, telling 
me if they came again that they were going to hang me. I did not 
see them in mask again until about the 12th of July, 1868, when 
they again caone to my house armed and masked, took m'e out of 
the house and threatened to hang me. I begged them not to do so, 
and asked them if I had done anything to them. They answered, 
that I had not. I asked them if they had known me to say any- 
thing against them. They said not. They then told me to stay at 
home, and not be running about. They asked me who I was work- 
ing for. I said to them that I was working for one Wm. Harrell. 
They then asked me if Mr. Harrell and myself had had any fall- 
ing out. I told them that we had not. They abused me for having 
been in the United States Army. They then stripped me and whipped 
me severely, and released me. I at once reported to Mr. Harrell; and 
he told me he could do nothing in the matter, and advised me as a 
friend to leave at once, which I did. Mr. Harrell promised me that 
he would take the best care of my wife and family he could till I 
could return. He directed me how to get away. I am here in the 
city; am afraid to go back without protection. 

his 
Pink X Harris, 
mark. 
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this August 5th, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm Com. 

Evidence of D. B. Garrett, of Marshall Cown^?/— recalled: 

Question. State what is your name and age, and where vou re- 
side, and how long you have been a citizen of said county; also, 
your occupation. 

Answer. My name is D. B. Garrett; I reside in Marshall 
County — was born there; I am twenty-four years of age; have re- 
sided in Marshall County all the time; I am a school teacher. 

Q. State whether or not, you have seen or known of any organ- 
ized band known as Ku Klux; if so, what appeared to be their 
object, and, in general, all you know about them. 



^ 



A. I have seen them twice; the first time, there were ten or 
twelve in number, and on the second time — the 15th of June — 
about twenty; all masked and armed with pistols, and some guns. 
They had threatened to "break my neck," and said that they 
would whip Ben. Scales that night. They took Louis Stegall and 
whipped him that night about 40 or 50 lashes. They then left us 
and went to Chappel Hill. I left home, and have not returned 



since. 

Sworn and subscribed to August 3rd, 1868. 



D. B. Garrett. 



\ 



Evidence of Benjamin Martze. 

Benjamin Martze, being duly sworn, deposes and says: 

Question. State what is your name and age, and where you re- 
side, and how long you have been a citizen of said county; also, 
your occupation. 

Ansiver. My name is Benjamin Martze, and I reside in Maury 
County, was born there; I am a carpenter by trade; I am twenty- 
eight years old. 

Q. State whether or not you know or have seen an organized 
band in that county, disguised, and known as Ku Klux; if so, 
what appeared to be their object, and, in general, all you know 
about them. 

A. On the 4th of July, about dark, I saw a large squad of men 
pass my house. They were dressed in masks; also, their horses; 
there were about fifty of them. I got out of my house in order to 
keep out of their way, but they searched and found me, and took 
me half-a-mile, where some five or six hundred were gathered, and 
they swore they would hang me. They asked me if I belonged to 
the Union League, and I told them that I did. They said if I be- 
longed to the League, using an oath, that they would shorten my 
days now. They then took me to a tree and threatened to hang 
me, but did not do it. They finally told me to go home. 

In about two weeks, a squad of them came back again, masked 
as before, about an hour or two before day, and told me to get up 
and open the door. My wife got up to open it, while I was getting 
under the floor. They then inquired where Ben. Martze was, and 
my wife told them that she did not know; they then swore that she 
did know, and said if she did not tell where I was, that they would 
kill her; she said they would have to kill her, for she did not know, 
and they might as well kill her as me. They then commenced 



slapping her to make her tell; and from that they went into the 
room where I was hid under the floor; and one" of them said, "see, 

boys, here is a bed full of them; no, it is a d d woman in the 

bed!!" They then asked her if Ben. Martze was in the house; she 
told them she didn't know; yes, you bitch, you do know. They then 
truck her with a gun; she said Ben. Martze was not in the house; 
then said one, where is Ben. Martze, to a small child in the house; 
the child said he was under the bed; then they went to taking up 
the floor, and took all up but a little, but did not find me. They 
then started, and as they left, my wife asked them what they had 
against Ben. Martze; they said he belonged to the Union League, 
and my wife remarked, that "all the colored men belonged to the 
Union League, and why persecute my husband?" They said they 
would commence with him, and kill him first; also, that they intend 
to kill from fifteen years upwards, and they could manage the women. 
I then left, and have not returned home sinee. his 

Benjaimn X Martze. 
mark. 
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the 3d of August, 1868. 

W. J. SxMiTH, Ch'n Com. 

Daniel Scales, being sworn, (Reposed: 

Question. What is your name, age, residence and occcupation? 
Have you been molested; if so, when, where and by whom? 

Anawer, My name is Daniel Scales, I am about 45 years old; 
I reside near Chappel Hill, Marshall County, Tcnn., on the prem- 
ises of Mr. McCord; my occupation is farming. 

I was molested by a band of masked and armed men, known as 
the Ku Klux Klan, on or about the 15th day of June, 1868, who 
came to my house about 20 or 25 in number, broke down my door, 
and eearced my house, swearing that they intended to have me if 
they could find me; that I was one of Brownlow's leading men. 
They left my house and went to Mr. David Christman's, who lived 
about three-quarters of a mile from me. I and another friend fol- 
lowed them up: They broke open the doors of his house, and took 
out Mr. Lewis Stegall, blind-folded him and whipped him severely. 
Me and my friend, belipving they were going to kill him, fired upon 
them, dispersing them at once. I had a talk with Mr. McCord 
about that time, and he advised me to leave, saying that they were 
determined to ruin the country. He said that it was the citizens 
who "were doing this. 



They whipped my brother the Friday night before they were at 
my house, and he told me that they said they were going to whip 
all the members of the Union League who lived in that county. 

There are many men in the city of Nashville, together with my- 
self, who have left their homes to save their lives. 

Ben. Scales. 
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this, August 3rd, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, 
Chairman Committee. 

Manuel Sykes, being called as a witness, was duly sworn: 

Question. State what is your name and age, and where you re- 
side, and how long you have been a citizen of said county; also, 
your occupation. 

Ansiver. My name is Manuel Sykes; I am about 45 years of 
age; I was born in Maury County; have lived there all my life; by 
trade, a stone mason. 

Q. State whether you know, or have seen an organized band 
in that county, disguised, and known as Ku Klux; if so,, what ap- 
peared to be their object; and in general all you know about them. 

A. On the 4th of July, about dark, I started from my wife's to 
my father-in-latV's. I met one about 100 yards from my house; he 
was disguised; I did not speak to him, nor he to me. When I got 
to my father-in-law's I saw 15 or 20, all in a lope. They had three 
flags. I stood and looked at them, but they went on towards my 
house. When they got to my house, they were fired on. I did 
not hear the firing. I had started back home, when I met a man. 
He asked me if I did not hear the firing. I said no. 1 went near 
enough towards home to see that they had formed a line of battle 
around my house. They were skirmishing and fighting from that 
until day, with colored men, numbering some 15 or 20. They 
caught one man that was hid from them that night, named Ben 
Mays; they took him to HeadrQuarters. They then took six from 
their beds, out of their own houses, from their wives and families. 
They told them that I was a Captain, and had a company drilling 
to fight the Ku Klux. They asked them if they belonged to the 
Union League. They answered yes. They then asked them if 
they did not know that it was wrong. They told them to quit the 
League, and if they did not, they [the Ku Klux] would kill them. 
They were determed to break it up. They would kill them, God 
damn them, and all Union white men that belonged to it: tha '- 



10 

they were determined to break it up. They said they were deter- 
mined to catch me, and hang me when caught. 

The next morning, Col. Milton Norris sent for me. When I got 
to him, he told me that the country had no laws, and that they 
were bound to have laws. That these Radical niggers, and Radi- 
cal white men had ruined the country. The Ku Klux were bound 
to kill all men that do not obey their laws. He then asked me 
where I expected to be on the next Monday, I told him that I 
expected to help L. D. Myers to thrash wheat. He then told me 
that if he did not see me he would leave word with my wife where 
to meet him at a certain place, on Monday night. He asked me if 
I had any fire-arms. I told him no; that I had neither, gun nor 
pistol. I expected to meet him at that time, but three men came 
to me in the afternoon, and told me that if I did not leave right 
then that I would be in a terrible fix; that they would hang me 
that night. 

Q. Did you take their advice, and leave? 

A. Yes sir, I left that day. It was the 6th of July, 1868. 
That is all I know about it. 

his 
Manuel X Sykes, 

Witness — Robt. Eaton. mark. 

Milton Leftwick, being called as a witness, was duly sworn : 

Question. What is your name, age, residence, and occupation; 
have you been molested; if so, when, where, and by whom ? 

Answer. My name is Milton Leftwick; my age is about 26 
years; I live in Columbia, Maury County, Tennessee; was born and 
raided there; am a painter, by trade. 

I have been molested by a band of masked men, who were armed. 

This was about three weeks ago. This band of men came to my 
house, about 40 in number, and called for me. I had saw them in 
time to get out of their way. They called for me, and was told 
by my wife, that I was not there. They then came into my house 
and searched it, and then left and went to Mr. Israel Webster's 
house, who lived about a quarter-of-a-mile from my house. They 
broke open his house, broke up his dishes, etc. They then went 
to Mr. Thomas Thelp's, took him and brought him back by my 
house, and carried him away. He has since been found dead. 

A few days before this band came to my house, I was at the 
house of Mr. Thomas Rainey. Some of this band came there and 



11 

took him away and killed him. These occurences are frequent in 
that locality. 

This band have different colored masks — some white, some red- 
and black, high caps; and their faces covered with vails. Souie of 
their horses are masked, also; and the object of the Klan appears 
to be that of whipping and killing Union men. 

I am now a refugee to this city [Nashville] for safety. There 
are many others who are anxious to save their lives, and they con- 
tinue to come. 

The late Confederate soldiers and rebels, swear that they are 
determined to vote any how, regardless of the law forbidding the 
same. his 

Milton X Leftayick. 
mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this the 3d day of Au^^ust 
1868. W. D. Garner. 

Anderson Cheatham being called as a witness, was duly sworn: 

Question. State what is your name and age and where you re- 
side, and how long you have been a citizen of said county, also your 
occupation. 

Answer. My name is Anderson Cheatham; I reside in Maury 
county: I have lived there three years: I am a barber by trade; I 
was 24 years of age last June. 

Q. State whether you have seen or know anything of a Ku Klux 
organization, or the existence of such an organization; if so their 
object, and in general, all you know about them. 

A. I have being seeing them for the last six months. The first 
time I saw them was the time they took a white man out and hung 
him. His name was Watts or Walker. The next time I saw them 
they were hunting Tom White, a school teacher. The next time I 
saw them was a squad of about fifteen. They were going to break 
up a prayer meeting I was attending and leading. They asked who 
I was, and one of them said, this is that damned Cheatham. 

Q. Who was it that said this? 

A. It was the Captain of the Klan, Milton Voris. The next 
squad I saw was the second Friday in June. There was eight of 
them. They came in the Square. The next time I saw them was 
at my house. There was another party of them below the house. 
I don't know how many was in that lot. They knocked at the 
door. My father-in-law opened the door; but before it was opened 
they said they would be God damned if they did not burst it open if 



12 

it was not opened quick. They were hunting for my brother-in- 
law. His name is Israel Webster. They asked where he was. 
My father-in-law said he had not seen him in two weeks. They 
then wanted to know who was in the house. My father told them 
there was no one but his own family. They ordered that a light 
should be made. One of them said he would vouch for "Old Lie," 
so that there was no light made. They enquired if he had any 
arms about the house. Father told them, no, he never had a pistol 
in his life. They then went to Hugh's house: that is my brother- 
in-laws, across the yard. They had a light made, and went in and 
searched for arms, and asked where the pistol was he had the other 
day. The reply was, that it was not his pistol, it was Brown's. 
They then enquired if he belonged to the Union League. He said 
he did before they broke it up. They then enquired where Jeff 
Brown lived. They intended to have him if he was on the top of 
the ground. They were bound to have him and Israel Webster, if 
it took all night. They then went to Webster's house and broke 
the doors and windows down, went in, and threw everything out of 
doors, and put a chunk of fire under the house to burn it down. 
They then went to Tom Kelley's house and took him out, tied his 
hands fast, and put a rope around his neck and took him off. He 
has not been seen since. This morning I learn that he was shot 
and thrown in the river. He has raised to the surface and been 
identified. They came to my shop and took Tom Galloway away. 
He has not been seen since that time. They went to Old Sister 
Wallace's house, took her out, whipped her, and abused her very 
badly, and broke three of her ribs, and shot at her husband twice, 
as he was making his escape. 

Q. Why is she called Old Sister Wallace? 

A. She is an old lady, and a member of our church. 

his 

Anderson X Cheatham. 

mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 3d day of August, 1868. 

R. P. Eaton. 

Evidence of Washington Davis. 

Question. What is your name, age, residence, occupation; and 
have you been molested by a baud or Klan known as Ku Klux, if 
80, when, where, and howV 

Answer. Washington Davis, my age is 21 years, I reside in 
Columbia, Teunessce, I am a blacksmith by trade; have lived in 



13 

Columbia, Tennessee, about three years. I was molested by a band 
of men known as the Ku Klux Klan, who came to my house at 
about 10 o'clock at night, about six weeks ago, five in number. 
Asked my wife where I was. She told them I was gone to the 
next house. They then broke open my door and went in my 
house and shot at my wife. The ball went through the head- 
board, swearing that they would kill her. They then came to a 
neighbor's house, Mr. Henderson Birdlong's, and shot through his 
door, and shot him. I was there. They then left, firing through 
the windows of the house. Going to the barn, they searched it for 
the Hon. S. M. Arnell, as I was informed, by good authority. 

The night of the 4th of July, 1868, sixteen of that Klan came to 
my house and stopped and looked around the house, and left. 
After they left, I heard the firing of shots on the Mount Plea- 
sant Pike. About two weeks ago about thirty of the Klan came by 
my house with two colored men under arrest, without their clothes, 
and barefooted. They then had two flags with them. I have been 
seeing some of this Klan since last Fall. , At one time I saw about 
seventy-flve of them come out of the Cumberland Churah in Colum- 
bia, Tennessee. They called me by name, but I did no't recognize 

them. . liis 

Washington ><J Davis, 
mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 3d day of August, 1868. 

W. A. Garner. 

Nim Wilks, aged 22 years, being duly sworn, deposes and says 
as follows: 

Question. Where do you live, what is your occupation, and 
have you been in any way molested; and if so, when, where, and 
by whom? 

Ansiver. I live in Columbia, Maury County, Tennessee. I am 
a rock mason. On Friday night, in June last, there came a clan 
of men, about twenty-five in number. Known as the Ku Klux 
Klan, to my house. I lived in the second story of the building, 
and heard them coming up, and made my escape through a small 
window, and got on the top of the house. They searched the house 
for me, and choked and kicked my wife to make her tell where I 
was, and threatened to hang her if she did not tell where I was, 
and said they intended to hang me if they could ever get their 
hands on me. Thev were in disguise, and I did not know them. I 
heard some rebels talking the next day about what they aimed to 



14 

do with me if they caught me. They did not know me, but I 
knew them. They said they intended to have hung me if they had 
caught me. And I was satisfied, from their conversation, that 
they were engaged in the search for me. I had seen the Ku Klux 
before the night of the search, and those making the search were 
disguised in the same manner as those I had seen before, with high, 
white paper hats, shrouded in white, and masked over the face, 
looking like a dough- face. 

Previous to the night of the search for me, they had taken my 
pistol from me, and told me if they caught me with any more arms 
they intended to hang me. I served two years and six months 
in the Federal Army. 

About the first of June, two colored men were taken out of jail 
and hung; said to be done by the said Klan. I saw them hanging 
next morning, on the Pulaski pike. I also saw a white man hang- 
ing before that; said to have been hung by the Klan, and the one 
who is said to have killed Bickner, or some such name. One of 
the colored men was accused of burning a barn. Jim Booker, 
one of the Klan, said that he tied the rope around his neck, but 
was now sorry for it, as the evidence showed the colored man to 
be innocent of t'ae charge, and that Tom Ilalcom burned the barn. 
I left Columbia four weeks ago, and have not been there since. 
I left to keep from being hung, and cannot return back there with- 
out protection. I left wages due me for about six months' labor, 
at $12.50 per month. My employer is a rebel, in sympathy with 
said Klan — as they often passed his premisis and talked with him; 
and I have heard liim boast about what he could make them do. I 
lived on his land, and he refused to settle with or pay me; and be- 
cause I insisted on my rights, he assaulted and struck me with a 
stone; and on the following night, the Ku Klux came after me as 
befcii-e explained. 

I also know of two colored men who were taken by them from 
their houses, and very badly beaten. They also beat their wives 
and broke up all their dishes, and told them if they went to town 
to report to tlie Col. commanding the post, that they would hang 
them. There were about thirty in number of them. It was un- 
derstood among them, as I heard from their own lips, that they 
were to give those colored people 25 lashes apiece, that is, each 
one of the Klan was to inflict that number of lashes upon them. 
But I don't think they did it, as it certainly would have produced 



15 

death; but they were very badly beaten. Said Klan were in the 

usual disguise. 

his 

NiM X WiLKS. 

Witness — B. T. R. Foster. mark. 

Hon. Wm. Wyatt, being called as a wittness, was duly sworn: 

Question. State what is your name and age, and where you 
reside, and how long you have been a citizen of said county; also, 
your occupation. 

Answer. My name is William Wyatt; I am sixty years of age, 
and reside in Lincoln County, Tennessee, where I have lived for 
nearly sixty years. I am a farmer and school teacher. 

Q. State whether you have seen, or know anything of the ex- 
istence of a Ku Klux organization; if so, their object, and in 
general, all you may know about them. 

A. Before I left Nashville, I heard that there was an organiza- 
tion known as Ku Klux, and heard of them riding into Nashville 
before I left, but did not see them. On returning home to Lin- 
coln County, I heard of the same organization in our county, in 
large numbers. Some time in the month of April, they came to 
my house, supposed to be about forty or fifty, dressed in masks. 
They rode up to my gate and hallooed hello ! ! Some eight or ten 
alighted and came into my porch, and rapped on the corner of the 
house, as tliey came into it, and shoved up my windows and let 
them down again. All this being about 10 o'clock at night. Some 
on horse-back hallooing out, "wake up the old man." They passed 
out of my house into my lone sister's parlor, and rapped on her 
room door, and then walked out; no person in the houses speaking 
to them. Some of the boys in my employment on the farm, were 
coming up the branch from fishing. The Ku Klux ran down on 
them and shot 3 or 4 times. The boys ran. They [the Ku Klux] 
come back, and the company then left. Afterwards I heard of 
their raid through the country, whipping some negroes very serious- 
ly, and calling on a number of other families. Their visits have 
been frequent through the country at nights; but once or twice I 
have heard of them in Fayetville, Tennessee. 

It is reported that they have whipped several white and colored 
people through the country, and have hung one or two colored peo- 
ple. I get this from reliable sources. They knocked down the 
Deputy Sherifi"'s doors, rushed in and searched his house, both up- 



16 

per and lower stories. He was not at home. They charged his 
family not to tell that they had been there. The Sheriff has since 
resigned his office. 

On the first Monday in March, 1868, one Damphlin was shot by 
them, and killed dead, and one negro man was also shot and killed, 
all in the town of Fayetteville, just before the county elections. 
The election was contested, and, consequently, another one held. 
And on the day of the second election, one Logue Connors shot a 
citizen in the court-house, — just after he had put in his ballot — 
twice, through the body; however, he has since recovered. No 
arrests have been made for these depredations, by the civil officers, 
for fear of endangering their own lives. 

On Saturday night, the 18th inst., a band of disguised Ku Klux 
came about midnight, to my house, some 8 or 10 lighted from their 
horses, waking me up, coming into my piazza, rapping on the door 
with their knuckles three or four times, and hallooing hello ! No 
person answering, they repeated -their rapping again; felt the 
latch — that the door was not latched — rapped again immediately, 
struck a match, and opened the door a little. The ladies from my 
bed-room screamed out. They immediately latched the door, and 
said, "ladies, don't be alarmed, we will not do you any harm, we 
want to see the man of the house, and will see the man of the 
house." They rapped again a time or two on the door, saying that 
they would see the man of the house. They again struck a match, 
opened the door, and lit a candle. The ladies again screamed out 
in my room. I immediately spoke out saying, "girls, don't mind 
those fools." They then said that they wanted me to come out there 
two minutes. I answered that I was in bed; for them to come up 
and tell their names and business. They just answered me that 
they did not do that. They demanded me to come out there again, 
if I did not, they would soon bring me out. I told them to come 
to my window, and I would answer them_ any questions that they 
would ask. They said I must come there, and should come there, 
and that soon. They immediately rushed into my room, Avithout 
saying a word more — two of them seizing hold of my arm, giving 
a couple of pulls. The women screaming in terrific screams. My 
wife seizing hold of my shoulder, pulling against them. A third 
one catching my right leg, which I had against the bed-post. I 
placed my left foot firmly against the bed-post, so that it was shiv- 
ered to pieces in the struggle. They immediately dragged me out 
through both doors. Whilst in their hands, one of their number 



17 

rushed up behind them and struck me on the head with a pistol, I 
supposed, which caused the blood to run freely. They immediate- 
ly said to him [the man that, struck me] "don't do that; you shan't 
do that." They sat me down in my piazza, they standing around 
me in their masked, disguised faces. The women rushing about 
with screams of terror. One of them said to me "negro equality." 
I immediately replied, '-'•negro equality, just what you made it, and 
where you left it, with your hands lifted up to the 3Iost High Grod, 
swearing that you would obey all the proclamations, laws and ordi- 
nances of this Government. I, myself, with every man and wo- 
men in Lincoln County, that was able to get to the Marshal, 
swore the same thing, and I have lived up to it." I further stated 
to them that this was the first time in my life, that I was ever 
called on to make a political speech in my shirt-tail. My political 
crime is, I have wronged no man; I have corrupted no man; I 
have defrauded no man. If God give a man a black skin I was 
taught from the cradle not to abuse him, nor tramp on him for 
what God gave him. About this time, one of them pulled m? by 
the sleeve, saying, "that man wants to ask you some questions." He 
muttered out "do you know us"? I went on with my own remarks: 
"I have lived here near sixty years, and am sixty-six years old — 
man nor boy, from my boyhood days in school, never struck me till 
that fellow struck me, while three or four were holding me. I call 
upon you to take him to condign punishment. I call upon my 
family as witnesses of what you have done. You said you would 
not hurt a hair of my head. You dragged me out of my bed in the 
dead hours of night, tearing my bed-stead to smash, and have the 
blood running in gores from head to foot. It looks like you keep- 
ing the peace. I never cover my face. I am not afraid of your 
ugly faces, nor of the face of the devil. I expect to appear be- 
fore a holy and a just God. I have lived in good conscience: 
laid down and slept soundly, all my life, without ever locking a 
door, or bolting a window. Any man or woman that I have said 
or done harm to let them come forward and show me where or how, 
and I will repay them four fold." One of their number spoke and 
said that, "we are numerous." I replied, "I never count noses: if 
a thing is right, it is right, if wrong, it is wrong, and I don't count 
this right in no set of men." One of them said, "we have a long 
ways to go, we had better be going." Their leader said, "we 
won't interrupt you any more" I began to feel where my head was 
bloody. He said "it is a damned sight worse than I thought it 



18 

was." I took hold of a pan to get water to wash myself with, 
and they bid me good-bye, and left. 

Q, By Committee: Did you ever hear of this Ku Klux Klan 
until the State Militia was mustered out of service last Fall, or Win- 
ter ? 

A. I never did. 

The shooting and killing in Fayetteville, Tennessee, above spo- 
ken of, was done by persons dressed in citizens clothes, in day 
time. 

Q. Do you know of any persons having to leave Lincoln Coun- 
ty for protection and safety, and if so, how many? 

A. I have known as many as five citizens to leave the town of 
Fayetteville, on account of their Union proclivities, and have heard 
of some in the country leaving; and a good many colored people 
have left and abandoned their crops. 

Wm. Wyatt. 

John Dunlap, being called and sworn, deposed. 

Question. State what is your name, residence, avocation, and 
where you formerly resided. 

Answer. My name is John Dunlap, Jr.; I formerly resided 
at iGoshen, Clearmot, Ohio; my avocation is school-teaching. I 
reside now at Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee. I have been 
there nearly three years; I was sent by the Western Freedmen Aid 
Commission, directed by Prof. Ogden, Superintendant of the above 
Commission of Tennessee. I have been in charge of the freedmen 
schools since that time; I am now in the employ of the County 
District Commissioners, at Shelbyville, Tenn. 

Q. State whether or not, you have been disturbed in your avoca- 
tion; if so, by whom and where; what did they do to you, and 
what did* they say at the time? State fully all that occurred, and 
describe the persons, and give the number who were engaged in the 
affair. 

A. I have never been disturbed until July 4th, 1868, when I 
was, by persons who said they were Ku Klux. There were about 
50 in number, on horses, and armed with pistols. They were all 
masked; also, their horses. They had long hats in the form of a 
pynuuid, spotted, red and white, witli tlic conmion false-face attach- 
ed to them. They had on long, flowing white robes, except the 
officer and one other. The officer was dressed in a red robe; the 
other was dressed in women's clothes, and was called the woman of 



19 



the party, Thej appeared at the front of mj door, about 10 o'clock 
at night. We seen each other about the same time; they rushed to 
get into my house, two of them succeeded, and I put them out 
They then shot at me twice through the window. I retreated 
into the back room, and got my pistol; by that time they had broke 
open my front door, and asked me to surrender, said if I would 
they would not kill me. I gave them up my pistol, and they kept 
It. They would not give me time to get my hat and coat; took me 
out and mounted me behind one of their number. I made an at 
tempt to get off; and they told me if I attempted to escape, they 
would kill me. I hallooed to friends as I passed, and they placed 
a pistol at my head, and told me to shut up my mouth, or they 
would shoot me, and from that time kept me guarded with pistols 
on each side of my head. The person I rode behind stated they 
were from Chicamauga-talking down in their throats, that they 
had rode hard all that day, to take part in the celebration, but 
could not reach the place in time, and concluded to have a celebra 
tion at night. They then passed around by what is known as the" 
Big Spring, up on the Public Square, then passed on to Britton 
street; thence to the residences 'of James Franklin and William 
Scott, (colored;) broke into Mr. Scott's house, and took him out 
One of the number remarked, he was not the man they wanted' 
They then broke into Franklin's room, and puUed him out They 
told Scott to go back to bed, as they had no use for him T'-iey 
then mounted Franklin behind one of them, and wheeled and came 
back to the Public Square. At the signal of their whistle, they 
formed a semi-circle, and gave three cheers for Andrew Johnson 
They then passed across Duck River bridge, the distance of two 
hundred yards from the Square. On the way, they asked me how 
I liked their flag, pointing to a flag they carried, flesh colored and 
m he shape of a heart. I told them, very well, for all the use 1 
had for it. They said that meant Ku Klux. 

When across the bridge, they dismounted us, and whipped Frank- 
Im each ot them giving him five blows on his naked skin Thev 
tied a handkerchief over his face, and made him kneel while tbey 
whipped him When about half through, they told him if he could 
not stand it, he had better say his prayers. When through whin, 
ping him, they spoke to him in a low tone, and he went home • 

They then ordered me to be taken up the road three hundred 
yardsfarther. Theyletme walkup, they walking and leading 
their horses. When there, they asked me why I shot at them and 



20 

why I had the pistol. I told them that I had it to make use of un- 
der the same circumstances. They said, as I had not shot them, 
and they had promised me' my life, they would only whip me. I 
asked them what they were going to whip me for. They gave me 
no reason, but said I would get only what I deserved. I told them 
that I had done nothing but teach the colored school, and many of 
the best Conservative citizens were my friends; if they did not be- 
lieve it, to ask Mr Mooreman and Mr. Buchanan. They said that 
those men were gentlemen — what they said v\^as right, but that they 
were not there to intercede for me. They then stood me in the 
middle of the road, and ordered me to let down my pants; then 
turned my shirt up over my head, and fastened it. They then 
struck me each five licks, except eight. One of them stood by with 
a pistol, and said if I made any noise or movement, he would shoot 

me. During the whipping, one of them said I talked like a d d 

Yankee, and he would whip me like a d d Yankee, and he did 

whip me harder than any one else. The officer told him not to in- 
sult me, but to whip and get through with it. There were eight 
left at the bridge, to guard and keep any one from crossing. While 
the eight were coming up, the officer kept examining my back, and 
said they would whip me on my belly, and I would have a nice time 
sleeping. When the eight came up and did not whip me, the officer 
said they would not whip me any more, if I would leave the State, 
and go to my home and stay there. He asked me if I could leave 
on to-morrow; I told him I could not, as it was Sunday. He asked 
me if I could leave on Monday; I told him I could do so. They 
told me if I was found in Sholbyville on Monday they would kill 
me; that they intended to serve all Northern men the same way; 
that they all had to get out of the country. They then let me re- 
turn to my home. In a few minutes after I got home,' eight others 
passed my door, dressed in a different mask. They were watched. 
They went to Dr. Simpson's stables, undressed, and came up into 
town with ordinary clothing on. Before they undressed, they in- 
uuired for Frank Stamps, colored. I ought to have stated at the 
1.1 ace, at the conclusion of the whipping, that the officer stated 
that there were two negroes with them who whipped me the worst. 
Also asked me if the Radicals had not bragged, and said that the 
Ku Klux were afraid to come into Shelbyville. 

U. [By same.] State whether or not you left by the time spe- 
cified, and whether you afterwards received any letter; if so, please 
produce them, and state how you received 'them. 



21 

A. I did not leave at ttie time ordered. On the 9th, I received 
a letter, handed me by the Post-master, ordering me to leave by 
the 16th. A copy of which, in red ink, is as follows. 

Chambek of Death, ) 

No. 45, y y, 2,160, V 
Mr. Bunlap: July 9th 1868. J 

By order of the Maj.-Gen. of the Ku Klux Klan, I write 
you this letter, to notify you to leave Shelbyville by the 16th of 
July, 1868. If not, we will take you out, tie you to a stake, and 
then burn you to death! Beware!! Shelbyville. 

At the urgent request of my friends, I came away, and have 
been away ever since; and do not think it safe to return. 

Q. State whether or not other persons engaged in teaching 
schools composed of colored persons, at Shelbyville, Bedford Coun- 
ty, Tenn., have had to leave or quit teaching. 

A. I know of one at Bellbuckle; also, my assistant teachers, 

(colored,) and two others, have been notified to leave; also, one 

agent, for fear of personal violence. 

John Dunlap, Jr., 

Principal First Colored School, 

Shelbyville, Tenn. 

Testimony of Thos. J. Wliite. 

Question. What is your name and age, and what is your occupa"^ 
tion, where do you reside, and how long have you lived there? 

Answe}'. My name is Thomas J. White; I am twenty-seven years 
of age; I am a school teacher; I was born and raised at Columbia, 
Maury county, Tennessee, where I now live. 

Q. Do you know anything of an organization called the Ku Klux, 
if so, tell us all you may know about them? 

A. I have seen persons in disguise, both day and night. Some 
dressed in red and others in white, with a covering for the head of a 
corresponding color, with holes in the same for the eyes, parading 
the streets of Columbia, both on horse-back and on foot. Any num- 
ber over twelve carry a white flag, with a red inscription K. K. K. 
I saw about nineteen of them, masked and armed with pistols and 
swords, pass my house the day that young Mr. Bicknell was buried, 
which was Sunday. Upon Monday night afterwards, about lOi- 
o'clock, I saw sixty or seventy of them, in the same disguise, pass 
my house with the prisoner charged with the murder of young Bick- 
nell, who, it was said, escaped from them that night, but was re- 



22 

captured and returned to prison the next day; and upon the same 
night they returned to the jail, took the prisoner out, and hung him 
to the limb of a tree about one mile south of Columbia, near the 
Pulaski Pike. I saw the prisoner in his coffin. 

Mrs. Violet Wallace, living about three miles from Columbia, told 
me that a squad of men in disguise came to her house and shot at 
her husband, while he was trying to escape from them. They said 
to her, you are white, you think you are rich, you curse white folks: 
abusing her at the same time with something like a bridle rein — two 
or three applying the lash at the same time. One of them 
struck her upon the head with a pistol — which abuse they continued 
until she fainted and fell insensible, when she was kicked or stamp- 
ed, breaking two of her ribs. Before leaving her in that senseless 
condition one of the number stripped his pants down, and sat down 
upon her face. She was taken to Dyer Johnson's. Dr. A. H. 
Brown attended her, where she was confined to bed about two 
weeks. Mrs. Wallace says she knows some of them, but declines 
to go before the authorites and prosecute them, or to speak of the 
occurrence in public, as she fears they would repeat the deed, or 
take her life. 

I saw Jacob Polk, Simon Ferguson, Ritter Bryant, and a num- 
ber of others, who had been abused, as they said, by the Ku Klux; 
and had evidently been badly abused from some source. 
^ • I have been in Nashville since the 9th of July, and fear to re- 
turn to my home. I have been advised by a kind lady of Southern 
sentiments that it would not be safe for me to return home. My 
wife came to Nashville the 16th of July, and told me the night be- 
fore she left a squad searched my house for me, arrested my father, 
drew knives upon him; but finding they had mistaken him for me, 
they released him. 

Ed. Williams told me there was five hundred Ku Klux in Colum- 
bia. I also heard him tell S. JM. Arnell in a few minutes after- 
wards, that these men (referring to the Ku Klux) did not live there, 
and that he did not know any of them. * 

Wm. Clemens was took by them and seriously wounded, but 
has since recovered. T. J. White. 

Sworn to and sul)Hcribed before me, August 1, 1868. 

A. M. Cate, 
Act. Ch'm Mil. Com. 



23 

JEvide7ice of Charles Belefont. 

Charles Belefont being called as a witness, was duly sworn, de- 
poses and says: 

Question. State what is your name and age, and where you re- 
side, and how long you have been a citizen of said county; also your 
occupation. 

Asive7\ My name is Charles Belefont; I reside in Culleoka, Maury 
county, Tennessee; I have lived there thirteen or fourteen years; I 
am a farmer, and 18 years of age. 

Q. State whether you have seen or known anything of a Ku 
Klux organization, or the existence of such an organization; if so, 
their object; and in general, all you know about them. 

A. I know that there is an organization known as Ku Klux. I 
have seen them in squads, sometimes eight, and at other times from 
that number to thirty and forty. They were dressed in red, with 
black veils over their faces, and sheets on their horses, and low hats 
with lanterns in them, so that nobody could tell who they were, ex- 
cept they were familiar with their voices, and that they tried to 
conceal. 

They came to my house one Saturday night, about 9 o'clock, and 
took me out from my house about one hundred yards and stripped 
me. There were nine in this gang: each one of them whipped me. 

Q. Did they whip you much? 

A. Yes, sir ; they whipped me very hard. They gave me about 
two hundred lashes, and cut my back up very badly. 

Q. What did they say they took you from your house for, and in- 
flicted such punishment ? 

A. They did not say what they took me out for, nor what they 
were going to do with me. 

Q. What did they say to you after they whipped you? 

A. They said I was a damned nigger and had been a Yankee sol- 
dier, and they were going to kill all that had been in the Yankee 
Army, or that belonged to the Union League; and that if I re- 
ported what they had done to me, they would kill me the next time. 

Q. Have you remained at your home since they whipped you? 

A. No, sir; I left home, and have not been back since; nor do I 
think it safe to return. 

Q. Do you know of them ill-treating anybody else in that neigh- 
borhood? 

A. I know of several particulars. I saw Williams. They whip- 
ped him, and put him on their horses, and jerked him about,^and 



24 

ducked him in the pond. The way they done it, one would put him 
on the horse, and another would jerk him off into the pond. He 
lives at Tom O'Neil's, quarter of a mile from where I live. 

Q. Did' you have to leave your crop standing in the field, when 
you left after they whipped you? 

A. Yes, sir; I had to leave everything, and come here to save my 
life. 

Q. Do you know any of those disguised men that molested you 
last May. 

A. Yes, sir; Joe Belefont and William, my late young master, 
were two of them. William Richardson was another, James Hick- 
man and his brother. Jesse Tamlin is another, and Barney 
Ramsey. 

Q. Were those men in the army, and if so, which army? 

A. Those men were all in the rebel army. Some of them were 
out in the army till the close of the war. 

Q. Do they go out regular in disguise, and have you seen them 
dressed in their uniform? 

A. Yes, sir; I have seen them dressed frequently. They go out 
pietty regular: not less than twice a week. his 

Charles y^ Belefont. 

Witness — A. M. Gate. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to this day and date, before me, 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm Com. 

Evidence of D. B. Garrett. 

Question. What is your name, age, residence, occupation? 

Answer. My name is D. B. Garret, I am 24 years of age, I 
reside in Marshall countj', Tennessee, near Chappel Hill; my occu- 
pation is school teacher. 

Q. Do you know anything of an organization known as the Ku 
Klux; if so, state all you know of such organization? 

A. I know that there are armed bands of masked men in the 
county of Marshall, Tennessee, who arc known as the Ku Klux 
Klan. I saw some of this Klan twice before the 15th day of June, 
18G8. The first time I saw tliem there was about twelve in num- 
ber. The second, there was about three. Tbe first time I saw tliem 
there were five of us colored men together. They turned us back. 
The second time I saw them tlicre were three of us, and three of 
the Klan. Tliey tlien remarked, that it was common for negroes, 
whea they met their masters, to pull oil" their hats, and call them 



I 



25 

master. They drew their pistols on us, and told us that they had a 
good mind to blow our brains out. Told us then to go on, but here- 
after when we met them to take off our hats, and call them master. 
I was born and raised in this county. Had been teaching there two 
sessions— one in 1866 and one in 1867. Had attended school one 
session in Nashville, after teaching there two sessions; and was, 
when I met the three men, on my return to again open my school. 
I did open the school on the 14th of June, 1868. Taught that day, 
and the 15th, also. I had been informed that the- Ku Klux Klan 
had threatened to break my neck, so I was on the alert. So on 
the night of the 15th of June, about twenty of the Klan came- to 
Mr. Ben Scales', and broke down his doors. I and Mr. Scales were 
hid out, watching for them. As they left Scales's they passed us, 
and remarked that Scales was hid out, and that he had better stay 
so* for they intended to whip him and break Garrett's neck. They 
further remarked, that they intended to whip from there to Eagles- 
ville that night. Mr. Scales, myself and another friend, then fol- 
lowed them up to Mr. Lewis Stegal's. They took Mr. Stegal out 
of his house, and began to whip him cruelly, when we, believing 
that they intended to kill him, fired upon them. They then left. 
We did likewise the next morning. We went to Mr. Stegal's to 
see what had become of him. We there found three of their hats. 
These hats were long and crowned with red flannel. Two of them 
run to a peak, and one was flat. We found one of their faces, 
which was red also. We at once began to gather a company to 
come to Nashville that evening. We were advised by the Justice 
of the Peace of the district, Mr. Williams, to come back and make 
peace, which summons we obeyed, and started back to the Justice 
of the Peace's, when we were fired upon from the rear by men, 
about sixteen in number. One of the number was wounded. I 
then started for Nashville, and was followed by about seventy men. 
When we got into Murfreesboro', the Sherjff and his deputy, to- 
gether with the Mayor, requested us to lay down our arms, and pro- 
mised to stop the pursuit of this party. We did this, and divided 
into squads, and started for Nashville. I reached the city of Nash- 
ville about the 18th of June, where I have since remained. I do 
not believe that I would be allowed to live in Marshall county. 
There are others here from that county for safety. 

D. B. Garrett. 
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this the 4th day of August, 
1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'm Com. 



26 

Wesley Alexander being called as a witness, was duly sworn: 

Question. State what is your name and age, and where you re- 
side, and how long you have been a citizen of said county; also, 
your occupation. 

Answer. My name is Wesley Alexander, I reside in Columbia, 
Maury county; I have lived there all my life; I am 20 years old, 
and a farmer by trade. 

Q. State whether you have seen or known anything of a Ku 
Klux organization, or the existence of such an organization; if so, 
its object, and, in general, all you know about it. 

A. I have seen a large body of men known as Ku Klux. They 
were dressed in uniform. On the 4th of July they were in Colum- 
bia to the number, I should think, of four or five hundred. They 
we're dressed in red costume, with masks on their faces, and most of 
their horses were covered. Some of the men were dressed in 
white, with white flags and black letters. Others of the flags had 
three stripes on them of white and red. They went on down the 
road, hallooing and whooping, till they came to my house; and they 
asked for me, saying, "where is that damned drummer boy that has 
been drumming for them children belonging to the colored schools 
that have been having a barbecue." They could not find me at 
my house, so they came back up the road, and hallooed three 
cheers for Brownlow's head and Sam. Arnell's. They have shot at 
me seven or eight times, and run me off from home. 

Q. Did you have to leave your crop in the field, and do you feel 
it unsafe to return? Would you feel that your life was in danger? 

A. Yes, sir; they have told me that if I ever come back they 
would kill me. This spite is, because I beat a drum for the colored 
children, and have been a soldier in the Union Army, and belong to 
the Union League. They say they intend to kill every nigger that 
belongs to any of those things. That is all I know about it. 

Wesley Alexander. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this August 4th, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm Com. 

John L. Brandon being called and duly sworn, deposes and 
says : 

Question. State what is your name and age, and where you re- 
side, and how long you have been a citizen of said county, and al- 
so, your occupation. 

Answer. My name is John L. Brandon; I reside in Lawrence 



27 

County, Tennessee; I have lived there since 1861; I am 40 years 
of age; I am engaged in the manufacture of spun yarn. 

Q. State whether you have seen or known anything of a Ku 
Klux organization, or the existence of such an organization; if 
so their object, and in general, all you know about them. 

A. I have seen them twice; it was the 3d and 4th of July, or 
4th and 5th, I cannot exactly say which. The first night they 
rode through the square; this was the first time. They did not 
say much, th^y were masked, and acted, I thought, very foolish. 

The next time I saw them was the 4th of July: I saw 35 or 40. 
They were not counted by any one where I was. They come from 
the South and rode around the Court house; went round and 
round, and then dispersed. Some of them went up North street, 
and some eight or ten of them went on two or three hundred 
yards and come back*, and rode around the Court house, and then 
disappeared. They did not come back any more that night, that I 
heard of. I remained about one hour. That is all I know of 
their second appearance. The first time I saw them, they came to 
my house. They rode up to my porch and hallooed hello ! I step- 
ped to the door. The one that spoke, said, in a guteral voice, or 
from his throat, " who lives here?" I told him. He then asked 
for some water. My wife spoke to Captain Devenport, who was 
staying at my house, and told him to tell them to come in, she 
wanted to see what they looked like He remarked that he never 
went into a house, but as a sick lady requested it, he would do it, 
and got down, and fifteen or twenty of them went in. My wife 
asked them where they were from. One said he was from Anto- 
ny's Hill, in Giles County. There was a negro that came in to 
an exhibition in the Cumberland Church. One of the students, 
Mr. Balch, went to him and told him to get up and go out, that 
this was a white man's celebration. The boy told him that ho would 
not — that he had as good a right there as any body else had. Mr. 
B. turned round and spoke to Mr. Reams, and somebody else. 
Reams went to him. Sometimes he [Reams] is sober, and some- 
times not. He went to the boy and talked pretty rough. The 
boy then went out. I understand from my wagoner, that a few 
nights after that, somebody went and took him out and whipped 
him. 

Q. Do you regard as good citizens, men that are engaged in 
that business, and are their objects legitimate, from your own 
knowledge, or reports? 



28 

A. I do not think there is any harm in them. 

J. L. Brandon. 
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 4th day of Aug., 1868. 

W. J. Smith, 
Chairman Committee. 

Evidence of Lewis Stegall. 

Question. What is your name, and age, and occupation; where 
do you live, and how long have you been there? • ' 

Anstver. My name is Lewis Stegall; I am twenty-five years 
old, and a farmer by occupation. I have been raised near Chappel 
Hill, in Marshall County. Tennessee, near where my home now is, 
and has been for about one year and-a-half. 

Q. Do you know anything of a Ku Klux Klan? If so tell us 
whether you know anything of their committing outrages upon any- 
body, and all you may know about their appearance, their acts, and 
their object. 

A. I have frequently seen squads of men, varying in numbers 
from eight to twenty, dressed in disguise, with red robes and long 
hats; and some with red, and others with black covering over their 
faces, Avith holes for their eyes, nose and mouth. At one time, 
eight of them came to my house, and asked me to show them the 
way to Chappel Hill, which I did, by going with them to the toll- 
gate, where they told me I could go back; during which time they 
asked me if I voted the Radical county ticket. 

Upon the night of the 15th of June, 1868, about twenty men 
came to my house in the disguise above described, mounted upon 
horses, covered with white and red, and ordered me to open the 
door, and asked me my name, when, as may of them as could get 
hold, seized me, while others stood in the door, with their pistols 
cocked, until they tied me, when they took me out, and down the 
pike about one hundred yards. They asked me if Brownlow gave 
me the land he promised me. I told them Brownlow never prom- 
ised me any land, when they said it was a damned lie — that that was 
what made me vote for him, and now tlicy intended to give me the 
land; and asked me whether I would rather be shot, hung, or Mhip- 
ped to death; when they blindflolded me by confining my shirt over 
my head, and let down my drawers, and told me to lie down upon 
that rock; and said they intended to give me five lashes a-piece, and 
make me count up the whole number of licks when they were done. 
When two of them liad liit me five licks each, and one other had 



29 

hit me two or three licks, they were fired on from the woods, by 
some colored men. Then they (the Ku Klux) ran off about fifty 
steps and fired on mc, lodging a shot near the centre of my left 
breast, and wounding a finger of my right hand, materially de- 
stroying the use of my finger. 

About the 6th of July, two men came my door and asked me to 
open the door, one cocked his gun, and the other a pistol, and 
swore they intended to kill me, when I opened a hoh in the floor 
and escaped. Upon the following night I left, and have been in 
Nashville ever since. I left my half interest in thirty-six acres of 
cotton, about twenty acres of corn, and one third of about twenty 
acres of wheat. I fear to return to my home, in consequence of 
the state of feeling against me, which is common to all colored men 
who voted the Ridical ticket. Since I left home, I have reliable 
news that they have given my mother fifty licks, to make her tell 
where I was. Lewis Stegall. 

Evidence of Grilbert Akin. 

Question. "What is your name, and age, and what is your occu- 
pution; where do you reside, and how long have you lived there ? 

Answer. My name is Gilbert Akin; I am about thirty-three 
years old, a mechanic by occupation. I have lived in Columbia, 
Maury County, Tennessee, for about twenty-four years. 

Q. Do yoil know of any such organization as the Ku Klux 
Klan; if so tell us all you may know of their existence and ob- 
jects, as well as any depredations they, or any of them may have 
committed. 

A. I have seen squads of men in Columbia, both day and 
night, dressed in disguise, with a uniform mostly red, with a cap 
over their head, with holes for their eyes, nose, and mouth. They 
were all mounted on horses, also masked, or covered. The largest 
number I have seen, Avas at Columbia, on the 4th of July, I think 
about five hundred in number. I have been a marshal in a society 
Ibelono- to, that is the reason they are so spiteful towards me. 
They sent me orders to leave; if I did not leave, I would be hung 
the next night. I took their advice, and left. This was about the 
15th of July, 1868. I have not been back since. I think I 
should lose my life if I were to return. There are some 60 or 70 
of us that have been driven off, and dare not return. The only 
charge is, that we voted the Radical ticket. They whip and abuse 
everybody that is Union, or belong to the Radical party. They 



30 

say that they are determined to break up, and drive off every 
"damned man that belongs to the League, or has been a Yankee 
soldier." jjj^ 

Gilbert X Akin. 
mark. 
Evidence of James Barro7i. 

James Barron, being called and duly sworn, deposes and says: 

Question. ' State what is your name and age, where you reside, 
and how long you have been a citizen of said county; also, your 
occupation. 

Answer. My name is James Barron; I am about 43 years of 
age; I reside near Nashville, Tennessee; I am a dairy farmer by oc- 
cupation; have lived there 10 years. 

Q. Mr. Barron: have you been disturbed at your house; if so 
when, and by whom? 

A. Have lived there 10 years; am a dairy farmer. On Satur- 
day night, last, I was disturbed by parties unknown, and two shots 
fired at me. I fired one at them, and they retreated. 

On Tuesday night, the 4th of this month, six negroes came to 
my house, weU armed with muskets and revolvers. I was alarmed 
by the dog. They asked for the man of the house. I put my 
head out of the window, and said, here I am ! They said they 
were military men, sent out by Gov. Brownlow to hunt up Ku 
Klux. I made reply and said, "I know nothing about the Ku Klux." 
With that, they approached the door, three on each side, and or- 
dered me out in the yard; said tliey wanted me to go with them to 
head-quarters. I told tliem no, that I Avas not going into the yard, 
I was going to stay in the house. They told me that if I did not 
come out the third time, they would break in the door. With that 
they took hold of the sledge-hammer and the axe. My old lady says, 
"James, open tlie door, and let them in." I let them in. The first 
thing they asked me for was my arms. I told them, there it is be- 
hind the door, that is all I have got. They then asked me if I 
did not have some money. I told them no, I was a poor man. 
They took me out and i)laccd my back to the wall, also my wife. 
AVe then told them wiiere the money was. They then put us in the 
hen-house, and put a guard over us, wiien they ransacked the house, 
and broke open the raattrasses on the lloor. My money was in the 
till of my trunk, between the two bedsteads. The amount of 
money was ^450; that was all 1 had in the world. My wife had 
seventy-live cents on her person, which they took. 



31 . 

Q. Do you know any of them? 

A. I think I know some of them. One of them was Jerry 
Overton; he is now under arrest. 

Q. Did they take anything else from you? 

A. They took 125 chickens, six shirts, four tahle-cloths, six 
towels, one gun, one watch, one locket, some knives and forks, 
spoons, under-clothing, combs, etc. 

Q. Have you ever been disturbed before? 

A, No sir; I have lived there ten years; and have never been 
disturbed before. These men were not masked. My house is all 
alone, the nearest neighbor being half-a-mile distant. My family 
consists of my wife, myself and daughters. One negro man on 
the plantation, they served the same as they did me. 

James Barron. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this, the 7th day of August, 
1868. W. J. Smith, 

Chairman Committee. 

Jacob M. Davis, being called as a witness and/luly sworn, de- 
posed : 

Question. State what is your name and age, and where you re- 
side, and how long you have been a citizen of said county; also, 
your occupation. 

Answer. My name is Jacob M. Davis, about 53 years of age; I 
was born in North Carolina; have lived in Tipton and Fayette 
Counties 33 years— in Tipton for the last 3 years. I am a wheel- 
wright by trade. 

Q. State whether or not you know or have seen an organiza- 
tion or band, known as Ku Klux, in that county, in disguse; if so, 
what appeared to be their object? State, in general, all you know 

about them. 

A. At the first commencement of these troubles, I saw a man 
come to Mason's Depot, in Tipton County, where I lived, from 
Memphis, with a haversack on him. He took the stage, and went 
to Covington. Before he returned again, I heard this noise about 
the Ku Klux from a man named Joseph Collier. It was on account 
of him, (the man from Memphis,) dropping bills about where he 
went of a Ku Klux order. I mentioned the matter to Mr. McKen- 
zie; he made light of it, and said Joe Collier had no sense, any 
how. I saw this strange man when he returned from Covington, 
with his haversack on. He came to Mason's Depot, and returned 



32 

immediately to Memphis. I found out afterwards, that McKenzie 
was one of them. They took goods from McKenzie's to Mr. 
^pelman's house, where Ku Klux uniforms were made by Mrs. 
Spelman. They accused me of watching them. Mrs. Walls, Mrs. 
Studevant, Mrs. Nobey and Joe Walder's wife, all went to the 
room where these uniforms were being made, and kept the room 
very close while at their work. Oliver Poindexter took me to task 
about watching them. I told him I was not; that I had as much 
as I could do to mind my own business. He told me that they were 
watching me, and that they would kill mc if they heard of me talk- 
ing or telling anything. He said they were not going to hurt 
anybody who had not been in the Union army, or who had not 
Meddled with them Mr. McKenzie told me that if ever Gen. W. 
J. Smith came there to make a speech, they would kill him (Smith. ) 
This was the day after the Brownsville Convention, the 24th of 
July, 1858. The first I ever saw or heard of these Ku Klux or- 
ganizations, was about the 1st of May, 1868. Their antipathy 
towards me was, because I told them that I did not know much 
about politics, but from what I did know, I favored the Republican 
party. They wanted me to promise to vote for Seymour and Blair. 
I told them I never would do it; that I should vote the Republican 
ticket; that I believed the Republicans were my best friends. They 
then said if I staid there, that I would be killed. I am not easily 
scared, and did not leave until my own friends advised me to do so 
to save my life. 

I should have stated, that there were eighteen or twenty white 
men waiting at the depot to assault the Memphis delegation, and 
the colored persons of the Tipton County delegation. This was at 
8 o'clock at night, July 23rd, 1868; and on account of the train 
being behind time, the crowd was pursuaded to disperse before the 
train got to Mason's Depot. 

Q. Do you know of any outrages committed by these bands? 

A. I know of five or six persons having been whipped about 
five miles from Mason's Depot, at Mr. Hillard's place. The men 
who whipped them were in disguise, and were thought to be the 
Poindexter family. It is not known what they were whipped for; 
it was in the night. One man in Tipton County, was hung by some 
uf these bands on July 30th. They took him, and put a rope 
around his neck, and threw the other end over the limb of a tree, 
and pulled hiui up. The man had a small knife in his hand, that 
he hud just been cutting a piece of tobacco with; he used the 



33 

knife to cut himself down; then he ran, and them after him. In 
the race he fell over a big log into a marshy place, where the hogs 
had had a bed; when he fell in, the hogs scattered and took to the 
woods. He laid in the mud, and the horsemen took to the woods, 
thinking that he had gone that way. While they were in the woods, 
he made his escape by hiding. He lived with Mr. Isham Beesely. 
His only offense was, that he had been in the Union army. 

I saw another man who lives near Humbolt, that told me he saw 
nearly a regiment of Ku Klux at that place; they were going about 
whipping and abusing colored people generally. This was last 
Friday. 

When I got to Humbolt, two white men tried to get me out of 
the cars. I refused to go, and they then wanted to know if I was 
going to the Nashville Convention. I am satisfied that they meant 
no good, as the Ku Klux interfere with everybody that they suspect 
of being Republicans. 

J. M. Davis. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this day and date, August 
7, 1868. W. J. Smith, 

Chairman Committee. 

Evidence of Barclay Martin. 

Barclay Martin, being called as a witness and duly sworn, de- 
posed: 

Question. State whether or not you know anything of the Ku 
Klux being in Shelbyville, and if so, what do you know, and did 
you see John Dunlap on that night, and afterwards; and how was 
he whijAed, and what was his condition? 

Answer. I saw eight of them in Shelbyville on the night of the 
4th of July last — say near 12 o'clock. I understood that there 
had been a good many more, but only saw eight of them. I was 
in Shelbyville on the north of town. I saw them as they went into 
town. I did not see them go out. 

I saw Dunlap on the Monday following. He was the worst 
whipped man I ever saw. I have seen negroes whipped, and badly, 
too, in the , days of slavery, but he was the worst whipped man I 
ever saw. 

Q. [By committee.] State what is your opinion of the organiza- 
tion, and what effect public opinion would have on it, if properly* 
directed.v 

A. I think it would die out In illustration: before the war 

8 / 



34 

when vigilant committees assumed to take the law into their own 
hands, and punish such persons as they supposed, or believed, were 
guilty of offenses, the better portion of the community would frown 
them down, and they met with no encouragement; and, consequent- 
ly, would die out. So, I believe it would be in the case of the Ku 
Klux Klan. I was a Confederate soldier, but am opposed to such 
organization, and have made speeches in which I have taken ground 
openly against it. 

Q. [By committee.] State whether any of them have visited 
Woodbury; if so, when, and what did they do, if you know? 

A. I did not see them, but they were in Woodbury on the night 
of the 4th of July last; and I am informed, that they shot at a 
colored man by the name of Work Woods. They had been in 
Woodbury before that time. They were masked. The shooting at 
Wood was on their visit before the 4th of July. It was reported that 
Governor Brownlow was dead, and they came into town. They 
told a man by the name of Swape that they had heard of Brown- 
low's death, and wanted to know what he would charge them for 
eleven hundred cords of wood, that they wanted to make "hell 
hotter for him." Barclay Martin. 

Evidence of Prince Cfriffis. 

Mr, Prince Griffis was called, and after being duly sworn, de- 
poses and says, that he is fifty-one years of age, is a resident of 
Lincoln county, Tennessee; has been there the principal part of 
his life; is by occupation a farmer. 

Question. Do you know anything of an organization known as 
the Ku Klux; if so, state all you know of them? 

Answer. I know that there is an organization which is passing 
through Lincoln county in mask and armed. I saw about five of 
this Klan at my house some four weeks ago. They opened my door 
before I got out of my bed. They ordered me to get up, and make 
up a light, which I did, and gave them some water, which they 
called for. They left my house and went to my son's, who lived 
Bome one hundred yards from me. They came back to my house, 
and ordered rae to close my door and go to bed. 

I was in Mr. Suge's shop some weeks ago, and there was Mr. 
Jones, Bogs, John JIasc, and others, there. They said that if Mr. 
William Wyatt, Senator of that district, did not be careful, he 
woubl not get to Nashville. Remarking that it had been said he 
would not go, and if he did and reported what the Ku Klux had 



35 

done to him, he would go up. Sure Jones said the first time they 
went to Mr. Wyatt's they turned him on his right side and told him 
to stay. The next time they cudgled him over his old house with a 
pistol. He said it was the best thing that was ever in the county . 
Better than a jail or patrols; for when they (colored people) done 
anything which they did not lijie, that they would then take them 
out and hang them. I have seen two men and one woman who had 
been whipped by them, as they say to me. This is all I know about 
them. his 

Prince X Griffis. 
Witness — W. D. Garner. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed before me, this 7th day of August, 18G8. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Walter Scott. 

Walter Scott, called by the committee: 

Question. State your name, age, residence, and business life. 

Ansiver. My name is Walter Scott, I am twenty-eight years of 

age, I formerly resided in , South Alabama, and my business is 

farming. 

Q. [By committee.] State what you may know of an organiza- 
tion known as the Ku Klux Klan, and whether they have done any- 
thing to you, and what was it? State all you may know about 
them. When did you first see or know them? 

A. Last April, just about the adjournment of the Legislature, or 
before its adjournment, some thirty or more of them came to my 
house. Fifteen of them came into the house. They took me, and 
said they would hang me. They had a rope. They stepped to the 
door, and asked, saying, "Captain Ku Klux, shall we hang him?" 
He replied, "No; spare him this time." They replied, all right. 
They passed out, and went over to Mrs. Hardy's, and asked for 
George Cultindon and James Buck, and told him to open imme- 
diately, and then broke open his door, and took from him (Buck) a 
six-shooter pistol. They had taken two guns from me. They took 
from Cultindon two pistols. Mrs. Mary Gordon, who saw them, 
says she would swear to two or three of them, and that the pistols 
belonged to George Cultindon — that is, those that were taken from 
him were his. She saw the pistols in the room of Mr. Sair the next 
morning. Know that Mr. Sair, Ned Gordon and Bob Gordon be- 
long to the organization, and were along that night. When at my 
house, they put the rope around my neck, and I know the man who 



36 

put it around. His name is Robert Woollimen. The latter lived 
in Marshall county. 

They asked me how I had voted. I told them I had voted for 
Brownlow. It would be the last time I would ever vote for him. 
They said if I would vote for the Conservatives that the Ku Klux 
would protect me. Before leaving, they swore me, my wife, and 
three or fouf others, that we would niever report them, stating that 
if we ever did report them "Hell would be our portion." 

They passed by my house afterwards, (say, some six weeks,) and 
called, saying, "Hello! Mr. Radical." I heard them, and ran orf, 
and they did not get down. After this I left, and have not been at 
home openly, silice. I have a crop growing of some fifty acres, and 
have been compelled to leave it. 

The man whose land I am cultivating, after the first visit to me, 
and my guns taken, gave me a gun, as he said, to enable me to 
defend myself. Shortly before the last call they went to his house 
in the night, and had a friendly talk with him; and on the night 
before their last call, and after their visit to him, he came and got 
his gun. When they hollooed a sham, I ran off. They seen me, 
for the moon was shining very brightly. They killed on the night 
of the 4th of July, a colored man by the name of Mint Bucks, 
and nobody has been taken up for it. They killed him on the farm 
of Marchbanks; and after he was killed, they said to March- 
banks, "we have killed that damned negro; go nad have him 
buried." 

I know numbers of persons here from Giles county, who have 
been compelled to leave for nothing more, so far as I know, than I 
have been guilty of. I was in the Confederate army as a servant to 
my then master. 

They are much worse towards Union soldiers tlian others. They 
have told, Avithiu the last five months, all the colored preachers in 
that neighborhood, to quit preaching, and they have done so. They 
have broken up all colored schools, and have forbidden them to 
attend preaching, and white mea from preaching to colored people. 
They attend, and seem to have head-quarters, at Mrs. Mary Gor- 
don's, about four miles from Cornorsvillo, on the pike towards 
Pulaski. his ' ' 

Walter X Scott. 
mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to, this 7th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. SMiTJff, Ch'm. Com. 



37 

Evidence of John Laivson. 

Question. What is your name, age, residence, ocoupation? Do 
you know anything of an organization known as the Ku Klux; if 
so state all you know about them? 

Answer. My name is John Lawson, I am eighteen years of age, 
was born and raised in Maury county, Tennessee, in Williamsport; 
I reside in Williamson county; two months was in the employ of 
one Pat Harvey, of said county; I am a farmer by occupation, was 
farming for Mr. Harvey. Mr. Harvey lives near Thompson's 
Station. I called upon Mr. Harvey last Friday to pay me, and I 
told him that I wanted to go to Nashville to get some clothing. He 
told me that I wanted to join the damned militia. I told him that 
I did not. He paid me $7.00, half what he owed me, and then 
left. I staid till night. He came home that night, and two Ku 
Klux came about the same time. They came to the cabin where I 
was, and came in the cabin, after breaking open the door. They 
were in the cabin, when I slipped out. It being dai-k, one of them 
said to the other to come and let us kill this damned negro. They 
followed me up, and fired four shots at me. I got away, and hid. 
The next morning I started for Nashville, and within about one 
quarter of a mile from where I started, I found a man hanging up 
by the feet. He had been skinned^ His skin was hanging oveV his 
neck, and his privates had been cut off and put in his mouth. I did 
not know who he was. I had heard of no such a thing before. It 
looked as if it had been done that night. I was close to him, so 
that I could see distinctly. I came direct to Nashville, and am here 
for safety. his 

JouN X Lawsox. 

Witness — W. A. Garner. maa-k. 

Sworn and subscribed to before Military Committee, this August 
5 th, 1868. A. M. Gate, 

Ch'm. pro tern., Mil. Com. 

I Evidence of 3Iat. Winson. 

Question. What is your name, age, residence, and occupation? 

Aswer. My name is Mat Winson; my age is about thirty-five 
years; I live in Maury county, Tennessee, near Culleoka; have 
lived there about three years, with Mr. Ricl^ard Foster, on the 
Pulaski pike; my occupation is farming. 

Q. Have you been molested by a band known as the Ku Klux 
Klan? 



38 

^4. I was taken out of the house at Mr. Foster's, in May last, 
by a band of masked and armed men, who walked to the place, and 
whipped by them. There was a band ten in number of them. Mr. 
Foster had told me before that time, that he would have them whip 
me. I know the men. Their names are James Hickman, Jackson 
Hickman, James Brown, Samuel Neally, George Neally, AYilliam 
Belifor, Joseph Belifor, Henry Scott, Harry Scott, and Polk 
Thomas. After they whipped me, they told me and another man 
by the name of George Jourdon, to go and report to the Yankees, 
and they would kill me the next time. 

This is all I know of the Klan, which is known as the Ku Klux 
Klan. I left there soon after they whipped me. I left to save my 
life, and am yet here for that purpose. 

his 
Mat X WiNSON. 
mark. 
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 4th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

H. 0. Hoffman, being called and sworn, testifies as follows: 

My name is H. 0. Hoffman; I am a citizen of Shelby ville, Ten- 
nessee; have resided there two years; and by occupation a Minister 
of the Gospel, and have charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
at Shelbyville. 

Question. Do you know anything of a secret order known as 
the Ku Klux Klan, and if so, have you been molested or threat- 
ened by them, or do you know of others having been harmed by 
them? 

Ansiver. From personal observation, I know nothing of such a 
Klan. I have never seen them; but that there is such a Klan, 
and that its existence is a great evil to the State, no one doubts. 
Said Klan has never injured me, in any material sense. To my 
personal knowledge, however, others have been seriously harmed 
by the secret order known as the Ku Klux Klan. 

Question. AVho were these injured parties, how, and when, and 
wbere were they molested or harmed? 

A. At Shelbyville, Tennessee, on the night of July 4th, 1868, 
Mr. Dunlap, a qui^t and unobtrusive man, in connection with a col- 
ored man by the name of Jeff, was most unmercifully whipped. His 
person was cut in great gashes from the middle of the back to the 
knee. I saw the scars but a few hours after they were made. 



39 

Q. Do you know why they whipped Mr. Dunlap and this color- 
ed man ? 

A. I do not, other than by the statement of Mr. Dunlap, him- 
self. He was doubtless objectionable to the Klan, because he was 
engaged in the colored school in Shelbyville. As to the colored 
man,°I cannot say why they whipped him, other than that it was 
to gratify a natural and educated instinct in them for "wallopping 

a nigger." 

Q. Have you been personally threatened by this Klan ? ' 

A. I really cannot say. I have been threatened, more than 

once. I have been told to my face, by parties who knew me, but 

did not address the remark to me, that "the Ku Klux had the 

name of every d d Northern man and nigger-teacher and 

preacher on their list, and they would all be driven from the State 
in less than a month." I have also been threatened if I dared to go 
to such and such places, as for instance, Lewisburg, Tennessee, 
about 20, or 22 miles from Shelbyville. 

Q. Who was it that made these threats? 

A. One of the parties lives but a short distance from War- 
trace, whom I can identify, but will not give the name, because I 
have no absolute assurance that I have it right. The other party 
is unknown to me, and lives in Marshall County. 

Question. Have you ever received any notices to leave the 
State? If so, was the reason stated? 

A. I have received what I deemed equivalent to a notice to leave. 

Q. How, and where did you receive it? 

A. I found it in my yard, put in front of my gate, and the fol 
lowing is a verbatim copy of such notice: 

"Is Ku Klux Council, July 2-4, 1868. 

"Rev. Mr. Hoffman : , ^ ., tt n Wo 

"Your name is before the Council— Heaven 1 !— We 

will attend to you— shall not call us villains— d "^i y^u. 

Q. Have you felt intimidated by these threats and notices? 

A. No sir. I look upon the Klan as in a most contemptible 
sense, cowardly. I have thought if they could, catch me off my 
guard, and away from home, where no personal danger could possi- 
bly come of such bravery as they might exhibit, they might per 
chance, do me some harm. in v 

Q. What do you believe to be the object of this lawless Klan. 



40 

A. To whip unarmed negros; scare timid white men; break up 
elections; interfere with the State Government, and steal and plun- 
der the goods of the people. H. 0. Hoffman. 

Augut 4th, 1868. 

Evidence of Idel Brite. 

Idel Brite being duly sworn, deposes and says: 

Question. What is your name, your age, residence and occu- 
pation? Have you been molested by a band known as the Ku 
;^lux Klan? If so state all you know about them. 

Answer. My name is Idel Brite; I am 22 years of age; I live 
the 10th district, Giles County, Tennessee; farming is my occu- 
pation. I have seen some men masked and in arms, who told me that 
they were Ku Klux. The first time I saw them was sometime in June, 
I think -■about the 15th; they came to my house at night, about 12 
o'clock, there were about 12 or 15 in number. Father opened the 
door for them. They took me out of my bed, and out of the 
house, having placed a rope or string, around my neck. They 
asked me if I knew who I was talking to, when I asked who was 
at the door, before it was opened. I told them I did not. They 
then told me that they were the Ku Klux Klan, and they would 
come back, which would be a few nights from that time. I saw no 
more of them until about the last of June, 1868, but was told by 
an old colored lady, that a white lady by the name of Mrs. Moore 
Smith said that I had better look out; the lady sent me the word 
as a friend. I got this word Monday evening, and Tuesday night 
they called for me at my house, about 12 in number, armed and 
masked. I was watching for them, and a colored man who was 
there, told them where I was. When I saw them, I was awoke by 
the shot of a pistol. They were surrounding the barn where I 
was. I attempted to get away, but was shot by one of them; the 
shot struck me in the left side. I succeeded in getting away, but 
was fired at about 18 times. I then succeed in getting to Pulaski, 
where I stopped about two weeks, to get able to get away. I saw on the 
uiglit of the 4th of f uly, 1868, in the town of Pulaski, Tennessee, 
about 240 of these Ku Klux. I one day saw five men some dis- 
tance off', running from towards Mr. BeH's. When the firing had 
commenced, Mr. Bell and a friend of his was firing at them. 
Tliey lost two hats and masked faces close by Mr. Bell's. Mr. Bell in- 
formed me that ho had expected something of the kind, and was wait- 
ing for them. As they came to his house, he saw them and stepped out 



41 

behind his house. When they came to his house they called for him 
jind his wife told them that he had left the house some ten min- 
utes age. They then came close to the door and continued their 
enquiry for Bell, and also asked for some water, which was gave to 
them by Mrs. Bell. They again called for Bell. Mr. Bell then 
stepped from behind his house, and fired on them. They broke 
and run, firing ofi" one time at Mr. Bell. I saw one of Mr. Ed- 
ward's sons who keeps Bune Vista Ferry, last Friday evening. He 
was wounded, and report says about that time. I know nothing 
more of them. his 

; Idel ><\ Brite. 

Witness — W. A. Garner. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 6th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Chairman Com. 

Evidence of William Wolaver. , 

Mr. William Wolaver being called, and after being duly sworn, 
deposes and says: 

That his name is William Wolaver; that he is 53 years of age; 
that he was born in Grreene County, Tennessee, and that he lived 
in that county until about three years ago, when he moved to Giles 
County, Tennessee; that he is by occupation a farmer. 

Question. Do you know anything of an organization in Giles 
County, Tennessee, commonly known by the name of the Ku Klux 
Klan? 

Ansiver. I do not. I have seen disguised people peeping at 
my house. The first time I saw them was about three months ago; 
the last time, was, as near as I can recollect, about three weeks 
after. There was, as well as I could estimate, about 25 or 80, the 
first time; about 12, the next. I do not know whether they were 
armed or not. They called on me for something to drink. I of- 
fered them some water, when they told me they wanted whiskey. 
I gave them some whiskey; they then left. 

Q. What is the general impression which is created in your set- 
tlement by this Klan? 

t A. It created some excitement. Some think it is for good; 
others do not. 

Q. Have you, since you have lived where you now live, seen 
any necessity for an organization of any kind to keep the peace 
and enforce the laws? 



42 

A. I have not; but believed that the civil officers were able to 
enforce the laws. I believe they still are. 

Q. Do you know anything about the designs or plans of this 
organization? 

A. I do not. 

Q. Has there been any depredations committed by persons in 
mask, anywhere in your settlement, that you have seen or heard of, 
from a reliable source? 

A. I have seen nothing myself of this kind, but have been told 
by good authority, that on the night of the 4th of July, 1868, 
there was a man by the name of Burks shot in his own house, and 
killed. I have also been told, that some pistols have been taken 
from some colored men in the settlement. 

Q. Do you believe, from what you see and hear, that there can 
be an election held there in November next, without something more 
than ordinary protection? 

A. I do imt believe that there would be any interruption now, 
but cannot say what about the future. William Wolaver. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this August 13th, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Chairman Com. 

Evidence of N. Harsh. 
Mr. N. Harsh being called and duly sworn, deposes and says: 
That he is 42 years of age; has been living in Tennessee about 
twenty-seven years; l)y occupation, a merchant; keeps firearms for 
sale; has sold a good many more pistols for the last month or two 
than formerly; has sold for the last month or six weeks, something 
near or about 250 pistols; sold mostly to white men. The parties 
who purchase, when they have expressed themselves, say they pur- 
chase for self-defense. * ' N. Harsh. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military Af- 
fairs, this August 21st, 1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of George Harsh. 

Mr. George Harsh being called and duly sworn, deposes and 
says: ^ 

That he is 41 years of age; has lived in this State about twenty- 
eight years; is by occupation a merchant; keeps firearms for sale; 
has sold about 250 pistols in the last six or seven weeks; sold 
mostly to white men; sales in pistols have been greater for the last 



43 

six or seven weeks than usual. Parties who purchase, who express 
themselves, say they buy in self-defense. George Harsh. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Militai-y Af- 
fairs, this August the 21st, 1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Mr. Joseph T. Burt. 

Mr. Joseph T. Burt being called and duly sworn, deposes and 
says: 

I am 24 years of age — raised here; occupation, salesman in hard- 
ware store of Macey & Brown; been doing business in said house 
about two years; have pistols and guns for sale — sold more than 
usual number of pistols in time of peace, but do not know the 
exact number. Sold different kinds of pistols — dont know for 
what purpose they have been sold — have been sold to both col- 
ored and white. I was absent from the house from the 18th of 
July to the 6th of August. Joseph T. Burt. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military Af- 
fairs of the Senate of Tennessee, this 19th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of John F. Fall. 

Mr. John F. Fall being called, and duly sworn, as directed by 
law, deposes and says: 

That he is about 23 years of age — was born and raised in Ten- 
nessee; that he is by occupation a hardware merchant — keeps fire- 
arms for sale. Sales in pistols have been greater for the last two 
or three months than usual; have sold more in the last four weeks 
than in any four weeks before, since the war; have sold in that time 
about twenty-five dozen pistols — the most of the number sold to 
country merchants. Sales at retail, to white and colored, have 
been about equal. There are about five stores in the city which 
keep pistols for sale; expect Ave sell more than any other house. I 
asked one man what he was buying pistols for, — this man was of 
Murfreesboro, — he said, to sell. John F. Fall. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Military Committe, this 
August 22d, 1868. W. J. Sjhith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Samuel McQall. 

Mr. Samuel McCall being called, and duly sworn as directed by 
law, deposes and says, that he is twenty-eight years of age; has 
been here since the 3d day of Dec, 1867; by occupation a sales- 



44 

man in the house of Hamilton & Cunningham. The house keeps 
fire-arms for sale. Left the house on business, July 14th, 1868. 
Came hack the 17th of this month. Sales in fire-arms were small 
for the last month before I left. Have sold one revolver since com- 
ing back. Samuel McCall. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military, this 
August 20th, 1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Qharles Brown. 

Charles Brown being duly sworn according to law, deposes and 
says, that he is eighteen years of age, and a salesman in the hard- 
ware establishment of Hamilton & Cunningham since the 14th of 
last October, past. 

Question. Mr. Brown have you any idea of the number of arms 
sold in said establishment during the last month or six weeks? 

Answer. No, sir: I have no idea. 

Q. Have you sold any pistols by the box, or by wholesale? 

A. No, sir; I have only sold by retail. 

Q. Have you sold a greater number of revolvers in the past 
two months than you did the two months previous to that? 

A. I cannot tell whether there was or not. 

Q. Has sales been good for the last two months? 

A. About the same that it was previous to that. 

Charles Brown. 

Sworn and subscribed before the Senate Committee on Military 
Affairs, August 20th, 1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'm Com. 

Evidence of Thomas Moore. 
Mr. Thomas Moore, being called and duly sworn, deposes and says: 
My age twenty, last April ; was raised here ; occupation, book- 
keeper, and sometimes, salesman, at Macey & Brown's. Keep fire- 
arms. Have sold very few revolvers lately. Sold differnt kinds — to 
both white and colored. Don't knoAV for what purpose. 

Tnos. H. Moore. 
Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military Affairs 
of the Senate of Tennessee, tliis 10th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'n Com. 

Evidence of 3fr. A. Setlif. 
Mr. A. Setliff being duly sworn as required by law, deposes and 
says: He is twenty-five years of age; that he has resided in the 
city of Nashville since the close of the war; and is, by occupation, a 



45 

bookseller and stationer; and docs business at the Commercial 
Hotel. 

Question. [By committee.] Mr. Setliff, have you been engaged in 
the sale of fire-arms? 

A. Yes, sir; to some extent. 

Q. [By committee.] About what time did you commence the sale 
of fire-arms? 

A. About four weeks ago. 

Q. Have you been selling fire-arms for yourself, or for some one 
else? 

A. I have been selling for myself. I bought and sold the same 
as any other merchant. 

Q. Were they new or old? 

A. They were new. 

Q. Have you any idea about what number you have sold? 

A, About five. 

Q. Have you sold any other kind of arms? 

A. I have not. 

Q. Who were these arms sold to? 

A. I don't know. 

Q. Do you know any of the men, or are you acquainted with the 
parties you have sold these arms to, and do you know for what pur- 
pose they were bought? 

A. I am acquainted with one of the men who I sold to, but do 
not know for what purpose they were bought. 

A. Setliff. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military Affairs, 
the 18th day of August, 1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'ra. Com. 

Evidence of Mr. Letvis Proivell. 

Mr. Lewis Prowell, of Hickman County, being called and duly 
sworn, as directed by law, deposes and says: 

He lives in the 4th district of Hickman County, Tennessee; is 
about 45 years of age; was born and raised in Williamson County, 
Tennessee; has been living where he now lives, three years ; that 
there is a band of armed and masked men ^it that section of the 
county, who have for some time, been taking by force, from the col- 
ored people, their arms. That said band of men came to his house 
last Wednesday night, six in number, and entered his house, first 
calling for corn, and then something for six men to eat. My wife 
began to make preparation to cook for them. They asked her her 



46 

name, being told, they said to her: "You are the head of this 
damned Union League," and at once shot two balls through her. 
She died instantly. They left for some time, and went to the hous e 
of R. Sleightor and stayed for a short time, and then came back 
to my house and examined my wife, to see if she was dead. I was 
gone out to get some help to arrest them, but could not get any 
one to help me. I am sure that no Union man is any longer safe 
in that county, without some further protection is given. The reb- 
els say that on the day of the election they intend to buckle on 
their revolvers and go to the polls, and when the negro comes to 
vote, they intend to tell him to stand back, and if he does not do 
this they w^ill shoot him at once. Mr. John Ragsdale, of my coun- 
ty, said to me that this is the programme all over the State. That 
on that day, the war will begin throughout the State. I have not 
had any difficulty since living there, and know no cause but my 
loyalty, which could have produced such conduct toward my family. 

his 
Lewis X Prowell. 

Attest — "VV. A. Garner. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 18th day of Aug., 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Richard Moore. 

Mr. Richard Moore, of Lincoln County, being called and duly 
sworn as directed by law, deposes and says: 

He is 22 years of age; that he lives in the 12th district, Lin- 
coln County, Tennessee: has lived in that settlement all of his 
life; is, by occupation a farmer. That there is an organization of 
masked and armed men in that county, whipping, shooting, and 
driving from their homes, the colored people of the county, and 
also Union white men. This Klan began to operate some time last 
Spring, and has been kept up ever since, but with more violence 
for the last two months. On Saturday night last, two weeks ago, 
sixteen of this Klan came to my house and knocked me down with 
sticks and their pistols, beating me severely; and after they had cut 
my head to the skull in several places, took me from the house and 
stripped me, and whipped me with a strap of leath^*, with a buckle 
on its end, stricking me 175 licks. This Kbin asked me if I was a 
Radical. They called on me for my certificate of registration, 
which I did not give them. They called upon me for my pistol, 
and I told them that I had sold it. I was with the Union army 



47 

during the late war, in Grovernment empoly. They tokl me that I 
nor no other colored man, should vote in the Presidential election. 
I have been told by rebels in the county, that negroes should not 
vote with the Radical party in that county. That they, and all the 
Radicals of the county, should be killed first. But that when the 
colored men would vote for them all would be right, and the coun- 
try would then have peace, but not till then; that if I would join 
them and be a good Conservative, I might do anything I pleased to 
the Radicals, and should not be hurt for it. I do not believe that 
any colored or white Union man is safe in that county, or will be 
until there is better protection given. 

The Klan which whipped me told me to take my shirt and do 
like old Bill Wyatt did, "carry it to Brownlow's Legislature;" and 
if I did this they would kill me certain; and that if "old Bill Wy- 
att came back there they would kill him, certain." This is Senator 
William Wyatt, of which they were speaking. 

I know some of the Klan — Capt. Tucker, James Bennett, John 
Clark, L. Anderson, and son, Richard Anderson, Andrew Tait, 
John Steverson and Mr. Hill. 

All my near neighbors, and all rebels, are. for Seymour and 
Blair. his 

Richard M Moore. 
Attest — W. A. Garner. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military Af- 
fairs, this 18th day of August, 1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Charles Marchhanks. 

Mr. Charles Marchbanks being called and duly sworn, deposes 
and says, that he was born and raised in Warren county, Tennes- 
see; is thirty-one years of age; that he has been living within about 
two miles and a half of Cornersville, Tennessee, for about three 
years; and is by occupation a farmer. 

Question. Do you know anything of an organization in that 
county known as the Ku Klux, or Night Errants; if so, state all 
you know about said Klan. 

Ansiver. I have seen some people in mask at my house and on 
the pike near my house. The first time I saw any of this Klan 
in mask, as well as I remember, was in the last days of March, 
1868. There were some five or eight in number. I don't knoAV 
whether they were armed or not, but think I saw as they passed n\e, 
a pistol in one man's hand, but am not sure this was so. I have 
seen them some four or five times. They came to my house some 



48 

two or three times. Thej talked to me friendly, and called upon 
me to visit them. When I asked them where I should come, they 
said Den No. 10. On or about the night of the 4th of July; 1868, 
they came to a colored man's house on my place, and killed him by 
shooting him through the cracks in the hoi^se. Two balls hit him. 
They then came to my house, and told me that they had killed 
him. I had a Coroner's Jury held over him myself, and it was de- 
cided that he was shot by unknown parties in mask. This is the 
only murder which has been committed in that community by the 
Klan, which I have heard of. It is reported that they took some 
pistols from some colored men in adjoining settlements. I have not 
seen any of this Klan since, except four, which I saw in Gorners- 
ville, some four weeks ago. I know nothing of the plans or de- 
signs of the organization, with the exception of what I have heard 
its members say, whilst in mask. They said that they did not .in- 
tend to disturb any one who would behave themselves, be they white 
or black. They requested me to say to the colored men who were 
working with me, that they were not their enemies. There has 
been some colored people left my settlement. Some were under 
bad character. All is quiet in that section of the country now. 
I think that the organization, as before referred to, has been a 
splendid thing for the county where I live. I think that the 
oro-anization may be composed in part of the citizens of the county 
in which I live, but do not know this to be a fact. 

There was some goods brought to my house and left, with orders 
for my wife to make it up into suits. 

Q. Suppose you had refused to have these goods made 
up, do you think that you would have been compelled to have 
done it? 

A. I don't know; but have been told that there were some goods 
left at one man's house, Avho had declaired that he would not have 
it made, before it was left; that he was ordered to have it made by 
a certain time. 

Q. Was you in the late army as a Confederate soldier? 

A. I was. 

Q. 1)0 you think that there can be any election held in Novem- 
ber next without any extraordinary force? 

* A. It could be done now ; but what could be done in I\uvcuiber, 1 
cannot tell. G. MarcubAxVKS. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military Afiairs, 
this August 13th, 1808. W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 



49 
Evidence of 3Ir. T. J. G-askins, of Obion Counts/, Tennessee: 

Mr. T. J. Guskins being called and duly sworn, deposes and says: 
He is a citizen of Obion county, Tennessee, and has been for 
about two years; that he is about thirty-two years of age; is by 
occupation a farmer. That he was elected a Constable of the 18th 
Civil District of Obion county at the election in March last, and 
was regularly qualified as provided by law. That he served as a 
soldier in the Union Armies during the late war, and has been 
honorably discharged from said service. 

Question. Do you know anything of an organization in Obion 
county, Tennessee, known as the Ku Klux Klan, or Knight Errants; 
if so, state all you know of said organization. 

A. I know that there is an organization in said county which is 
passing through the county committing depredations of various 
kinds ; whipping the colored people, killing of some, and taking 
from them their arms and certificates of registration, and ordering 
Union white men to quit the counrty. 

This Klan is generally known by the name of Ku. Klux. I saw 
six men last Wednesday night was a week ago, in mask, near Union 
City. They were armed and well mounted. I received orders from 
some unknown persons. These orders were handed me by the post- 
master at Union City. 

I left my home to keep from being killed by the Ku Klux, as I 
am fully of opinion that they intended to kill me. 

Q. What do the people in general in your county think of said 
organization? 

A. As far as I have been able to learn, the rebels, or a majority 
of them, speak of it in favorable terms; and I think that they en- 
courage it, and belong to the Klan. The Union men are again ts 
it, and believe that it is gotten up to drive them out of the country, 
and to pull down and overthrow the State Government. I have 
frequently been told by rebels in the county, that they intended to 
pull down, and destroy the present State Government. 

The rebels, in general, are very unfriendly towards Union men, 
and some of them have went so far as to say that their children 
should not associate with the children of Union men. 

They say they are determined to vote whether they have certi- 
ficates or not, in the Presidential election; and if any colored man 
attempts to vote, they will kill, him, or the white man that protects 
him. These expressions 'are general among rebels. They go fur- 
4 



50 

titer: they say that they intend to carry this election or die in the 
attempt. Other Union men have left the county to save their life, 
and unless there is some relief, I think that they will all be forced 
to leave. T. J. Gaskins. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military Affairs, 
this, August 14th, 1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Sumner A. Cunningham. 

Sumner A. Cunningham, being duly sworn, deposes and says: 

Question. What is your name, where do you reside, how old are 
you? 

. Answer. My name is Sumner A. Cunningham; I reside in Shel- 
byville, Tennessee; my age is twenty-five years; I am by occu 
pation a merchant; I am a native of the county. 

Q. Do you know anything of the organization known as the 
Ku Klux Klan; and if so, tell us all you know about them. 

A. I know I have seen a company, of men or persons in dis- 
guise — some forty-eight in one company, and eight in another. 
Their faces were covered. This was on the night of the 4th of 
July, 1868. I think some of their horses were covered. I did not 
pay particular attention. It was said they carried a man out of 
Shelbyville, and whipped him severely, which act I earnestly dis- 
approved. 

1 am in favor of order and law; and believing such conduct would 
oppose the peace and harmony of the country, I would have been 
glad to prevent it if I could. S. A. Cunningham. 

Sworn and subscribed to, this day and date, August 11th, 1868, 
before me. W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Arthur A. Breast. 

Arthur A. Breast being duly sworn, deposes and says: He is 
twenty-eight years of age; by occupation wholesale hardware 
merchant; store is 45 Public Square, Nashville, Tennessee. 

Question. Do you keep fire-arms for sale? 

Answer. Tes, sir; we do. I should tliink we have sold in tlie 
laat sixty days seventy pistols. Tliese arms are sold by us to mer- 
chants — our business being wholesale. Tliis is an increase on 
previous sales in the same time. Arthur A. Breast. 

Sworn and subscribed to, thig 26th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 



51 

Evidence of Jo. H. Van Leer. 
Mr. Jo. Van Leer, being duly sworn, deposes and says: 
He is about 32 years of age, by occupation Hardware Merchant 
clerk, business house, 49 North College street, Nashville, Tenn. 
Question. Do you teep fire-arms for sale? 
Answer. Yes sir. 

Q. What number of fire-arms have you sold in the last two 
months? 

A. I think we must have sold some three dozen pistols, and 

eight or ten shot guns. The sales has been greater for the last 

two months than formerly. I have sold more to colored, than white 

citizens. Jo. H. Van Leer. 

• Sworn and subscribed to, before me, this 26th day of Aug., 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Chairman Com. 

Evidence of T. J. Trepimrd. 

Mr. T. J. Treppard, being called, and duly sworn, deposes and 
says: 

He is about 32 years of age; by occupation a Hardware Mer- 
chant; store Nos. 19 and 21, North College street, Nashville Ten- 
nessee. Keep fire-arms for sale. Purchased some ^200 worth 
of pistols some two months ago, and have sold about half of them. 
Sold principally to white men. About the time I purchased, the 
demand for pistols was greater than they are now. 

T. J. Treppard. 

Sworn and subscribed to, this 26th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Chairman Com. 

Evidence of McClaugherty. 

Mr. McClaugherty, being called and duly sworn, as directed by 
law, deposes and says: 

He is 33 years of age; is, by occupation, a Hardware Merchant; 
has his store on Public Square, Nashville, Tennessee; keeps fire- 
arms for sale. His sales in pistols has been greater for the last 
two or three months than before that time, during this year. Does 
not know the number sold. M. A. McClaugherty. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military 
Affairs. W. J. Smith, Chirman Com. 

Evidence of J. W. Smith 
Mr. J. W. Smith, being called and duly sworn as directed by 
law, deposes and says: 



52 

He is 35 years of age: by occupation a Hardware clerk in the 
house of Gray & Kirkman, Nashville, Tennessee. The firm keeps 
fire-arras for sale. There has been an increase in the sale of pis- 
tols for the last two months. From the first of July last, to the 
present time, the house has sold from 130 to 140 pistols. Have 
sold to both black and white, but principally to white. Some to 
country merchants. J. W. Smith. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 26th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Chairman Com. 

Evidence of J. M. G-ray. 

Mr. J. M. Gray, being called, and duly sworn as dh-ected by law, 
deposes and says: 

He is about 32 years of age; is, by occupation, a Hardware Mer- 
chant; business house 53 College Street, Nashville, Tennessee; 
keeps fire-arms for sale; has sold a greater number of pistols for 
the last six weeks than usual; does not know what number sold; 
to both white and colored. Parties, in general, make no expression 
as to why they buy. J. M. Gray. 

Sworn and subscribed to before the Committee on Military 
Affairs, this 26th day of August, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Chairman Committee. 

Evidence of Tom Butler. 

Question. What is your name, age and occupation, and where 
do you live? 

Answer. My name is Thomas Butler; I am going on twenty- 
five years old; lama laboring man; I live, in Pulaski, and was 
born and raised in Giles County, Tennessee. 

Q. Do you know anything of an organization known as a 
Ku Klux Klan; if so, tell all you know about them. 

I saw ten or fifteen footmen on Monday night last, dressed in 
disguise, inquiring foi* Tom Butler. When I answered, Mr. Porter, 
one of the men with me, got up and started out, when the men in 
disguise hallooed out shoot him. They shot several times — one of 
which took effect in Porter's hip. Dr. Simpson, of Pulaski, took 
the ball out. 

When the shooting commenced, I started to run, and made my 
escape through a fire of ten or fifteen shots, following mc only about 
thirty yards, when they soon after disappeared. Next morning I 
returned to the lime furnace, when the INIayor, Town Constable, 



53 

and quite a number of others were present, and expressed great 
opposition to such conduct, and a determination to put it down if 

his 
Thomas X Butler. 
Witness — W. A. Garner. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 27th day of August, 1868 

W. J. Smith, 
Ch'm. Com. on Military. 

Stephen Medon's Statement. 

I, Stephen Midon, state on oath, I am about sixty-three years of 
age; that I was a slave; and that I was so faithful, that, although a 
slave, and held in bondage until I obtained my freedom during the 
war, by the action of the people of Tennessee, I never had any' 
difficulty with my former owners. None of them ever gave me a 
lick in my life, unless whilst I was a child, and I always had their 
confidence in everything, so far as I know, believe, or remember. I 
am now living in Marshall County, Tennessee, where I was raised 
and am known in that neighborhood; and if I had an enemy on 
earth I did not know it. I have been a member of the Church for 
fifty years, and have, so far as I know, or believe, lived up to the 
requirements of the same; and never heard from any member 
thereof, any complaint as to morals or conduct. 

I am, and have been, since I obtained my freedom, a Republican, 
or Radical, and have voted that ticket all the time. 

On or about the 10th of July last, about one o'clock at night, a 
parcel of men disguised in masks, with high conicol hats on, and 
all dressed alike, came to my house. They asked if I would tell 
the truth. I said I would. They then said tell it. They then 
asked me where my son, David was. I told them he was there 
about an hour by sun. They then asked me where he went. I told 
them he went out at the south gate. They then said if my son and 
myself should vote the Radical ticket they would hang me. They 
said I had voted the Radical ticket before, and I must hereafter 
vote the Conservative ticket, if I voted at all, or they would hang 
me. They came to my house in the night and knocked at the door, 
attempting to break it open, and I opened it. They were dressed 
in red garments. They searched the house for my son, but, of 
course, they did not find him, for he was not there. They shot a 
dog in the yard for barking. They had a pistol pointed at me all 
the time they were in the house. The moment they entered the 



54 

door a pistol was pointed at me. They said if I let my son come 
back to my house to stay, they would kill me. ■ They said they had 
heard that my son was raising, or trying to raise, a company to 
fight them. I thought I knew some of them, who were near neigh- 
bors, and all of them lived in the county, so far as I knew them. 
My son had done nothing towards raising a company. He had had 
a personal difficulty with a colored man, and this was the only 
foundation for the report. They threatened to kill my son, say- 
ing they intended to kill him whenever they found him. 

On Friday night and Saturday night, they whipped a colored 
man and his wife very badly in Marshall county, near where I live. 
They also Avhipped on the same night, another colored man, his son, 
and son-in-law, near the same place. They choked one of them, 
Nvho had been in the Federal Army, and hung him three times un- 
til nearly dead, each of them. They are taking guns from every 
colored man who has one. This is a part of their plan of opera- 
tion, so far as I can learn. They uniformly take guns or pistols 
wherever they find them in the hands of colored people. They 
never disturb anybody except Republicans or radicals. White 
men who are radicals, are generally afraid to speak out their prin- 
ciples. 

They are traveling almost every week at night, sometimes visit- 
ng one radical, and sometimes another. 

My son, with many others — nearly all who can leave — have left 

the neighborhood and gone. Most radicals, when they go to bed, 

have apprehensions of personal violence before day. The state of 

soc»jty is alarming. No one who diflers with them is safe, and 

their numbers are increasing. his 

Stephen X Medon. 
mark. 
Evidence of Spencer Griffin. 

Mr. Spencer Griffin, being called and duly sworn, deposes and 
says: He is fift^'four or fifty-five years of age, and that he 
now resides in Sumner county, Tennessee, within three miles of 
Gallatin; ha^ been living there since March last; is by occupation a 
farmer. 

Question. Do you know anything of an organization known as 
Ku Klux, in your county? 

Answer. Tlicro was a band of aniicd ninsked men came to my 
house on Saturday night, some four wctiks ago. Came to the door 
with a rail, pushed open the door, and came into my house; and 



55 

when I called to know who was there, one man answered to me, 
saying, "come here, I want you." I asked to know what they wanted 
with me, when they seized me, tied me, and ordered me to come 
with them, which I did. After carrying me a short distance, they 
asked me if I had heard of the Ku Klux. I told them I had. 
They then said that they were the men, and they were going around 
stationing off the county, and that we all thought we were all free ; 
that we could vote ; but we will stop all of that. They then 
stripped and whipped me with a leather strap some one hundred 
and fifty lashes; telling me that they first whipped, and when they 
came the second time, they «ame shooting down and hanging up. 
After they had whipped me, they again told inl that we all thought 
we were free, but what we had to do just we were .to told to do, 
right or wrong. his 

Spencer X Griffin. 
mark. 
Sworn and subscribed to before me, this day, August 27th, 18G8. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 
Evidence of Charles E. Robert. 
Charles E. Robert, being duly sworn according to law, deposes 
as follows: My name is Charles E. Robert; I am about twenty 
years of age; by occupation City Editor of Union and American 
and a native of Davidson county, Tennessee. 

Question. Do you know anything of an organization known as 
the Ku Klux Klan; if so tell all you know about them. 

Ansiver. I do not know of such an organization. I have seen 
men in costume, disguised — I do not know whether they were Ku 
Klux — at Decatur, Alabama. Their uniform consisted of a red gown, 
trimmed with white braid; pants of the same; high hat, with vail 
over the face; holes for the eyes and mouth; five or six in number. 
Q. Have you printed at any time in your office, any orders, hand- 
bill, or other paper, for the Ku Klux Klan, an organized body of 
armed masked, men. 

A. About the time the organization appeared in the Spring, an 
anonymous communication reached me, through the post-office, which 
was evidently a burlesque on the order of the supposed Klan. 
This is the only communication I have ever caused to be published. 
This was in early Spring. I do not remember the post-marks. 

Charles E. Robert. 
Sworn and subscribed to before the Military Committee, this 

28th day of August, 1868. W. J. Smith, 

Ch'm. Com. on Military. 



5e 

Evidence of S. C. Mercer. 

Mr, S. C. Mercer, being duly sworn according to law, deposes as 
follows: 

My name is S. C. Mercer; I am Editor of the Press and Times, 
the State journal; am 36 years of age; have lived in Davidson 
County since April, 1862. 

Question. Did you ever receive a letter, or dispatch, or any 
communication whatever, from Beirfield, or his friends, of Franklin, 
Tennessee? 

Answer. I did not. I never heard Qf Beirfield before his death. 
I did not deny the statement until I went to everybody connected 
with our officCj. and made the enquiry as to whether such communi- 
cation had been received in regard to the character of Miss Ezell, 
as published in the Nashville Banner, and other Democratic pa- 
pers. 

Q. Do you know of an organization known as the Ku Klux 
Klan? If so tell us all you know about them. ^ 

A. I have received communications that satisfies me of the ex- 
istence of such an Order. Its general operations appears to be 
to overawe Union men, both black and white. 

S. C. Mercer. 

Sworn and subscribed to, before me, this 28th day of Augut, 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Oh'm. Com. 

Evidence of Henry Heiss. 

Henry Heiss, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and 
says : 

My name is Henry Heiss; I am Assistant Editor of the Nash- 
ville Banner; my age is 28 years; am a native of the County of 
Davidson, Tennessee. 

Q. Tell what you know about a paragraph that appeared in 
your paper of August 26th, purporting to a knowledge of arms 
and munitions of war being sent to Franklin. 

The following is the paragraph: 



"among TIFE 15LACK.S — GUNS AND AMMUNITION SECRETLY SHIPPED TO 

FRANKLIN. 

"While the Committee on Military Alfairs are pursuin-j: their 
sham investigation as to how many arms and how much amumuitioii 
have been sold to the whites of this city, witliin a recent period, 
we think they had better keep an eye on the malcontents of their 



57 , 

own party. For what purpose, let the committee inquire, was a 
wacron-load of munitions of war sent to Franklin last Monday.' 
We're they to be put into the hands of loyal blacks for the perpe- 
tration of another Ezell tragedy? Is this the Legislature's idea of 
'peace?' 

"That the f^uns, cartridges and caps referred to, are now some- 
where in Williamson County, and that they were secretly sent there 
on Monday, from the Radical head-quarters in this city, wc have 
most positive proof, having received our information from a gentle- 
man who stopped the wagon and examined its contents." 

A. I wrote the article above. I got the information from a 
gentleman I hacf confidence in. After enquiry, I am satisfied that 
he was mistaken. I got my information from Mr. Rains, the 
book-keeper in the Banjier office. Mr. Rains says he got his in- 
formation from Mr. Robinson, of South Nashville. 

Q. Do. you know of any demonstration of violence in 'the 
State, for the last six months? 

A. I know nothing of my own knowledge; only know what I 
see in the papers. 

Q. Do you know anything of an armed, masked organization, 
known as the Ku Klux Klan? 

A. I know nothing personally, but believe that there is such 
an organization. I formed my opinion on the general opinion of 
the people. 

Q. Did you see a letter which was published in the Eepuhlican 
Banner, baring date Aug. 9th, 1868, published about the 18th of 
Aug., 1868, said to have been written by Israel Brown, of Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, and directed to John Nolin, Franklin, Tennessee? 

A. I did. I had it in my possession. I gave it to Represen- 
tative McFall. 

Q. Who give you the letter? 

A. I found it on the office desk, in Colonel House's office, in 
Franklin, Tennessee, on or about the 17th of August-, 1868. Do 
not know who placed it there. There was a party of gentlemen in 
Colonel House's office, when he and I went from his office to learn 
something of the former history of the gentleman, Mr. Bierfield, who 
had been killed there, a few days before; and when we returned, I 
found the parties in his office still, and the letter, which was not there 
when I left, was on the desk, as before stated. 

Q. Did any one in Franklin, Tennessee, state to you that they 
knew, with their own knoledge, that Bierfield had had anything to 
do with the assassination of Mr. Ezell? 



58 

A. They did not. 

Q. Have you, at any time, heard any threats to assassinate any 
of the members of the Legislature, or «,ny of the State officers? 

A. I have not. 

Q. Did you hear, at any time, any Northern or Southern man, 
ask why the people of Tennessee did not assassinate Gov. Brown- 
low ? 

A. This question was repeatedly asked me while I was in the 
North, some time in last days of June, and first days of July. 

Henry Heiss. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 28th day of Aug., 1868. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of 3Ir. J. 0. Griffith. 

Mr. J. 0. Griffith, being called and duly sworn, deposes and says: 

He is about 50 years of age; is a resident of Davidson County, 
Tennessee; by occupation a Publisher in the office of the Union and 
American, Nashville, Tennessee. 

Question. How long have you been engaged in that office ? 

Answer. I purchased an interest in the Union and Dispatch 
about two weeks ago; and since that time, the Union and Dispatch 
and Nashville Gazette have been consolidated, and now form the 
Union and American. We have published but two copies. I take 
no part in the transaction of the business of the Union and Dis- 
patch, except as to knowing the consolidation of the two papers. 

Q. Do you know of an organization known as the Ku Klux 
Klan. I do not. My honest conviction is, that there is no such an 
organization — as a general organization; but I believe, from what 
gener.il rumor says, as published in the papers, that there are or- 
ganized bands in some localities, of masked, armed men. Of my 
personal knowl6dge, or direct specific information, I know nothing 
of them, and hence cannot believe that the organization has any 
general extent. 

Q. What impression do you think tliat these local organizations 
mak3 upon the minds of the people? 

Judging from the exagerated reports, as made through the pa- 
pers and public speakers and correspondents, I would say, that they, 
like all other secret political "associations, have a deletorious influ- 
ence upon the sentiment and passions of the people, tending ulti- 
mately, to the ruin of the best interest of society and our common 
country; destroying all order, moral and civil, and ending only in 



1 



59 

anarchy and ruin; and they are a disgrace to the age in which we 
live, and should be discountenanced by every person having any 
self-respect or love for the best interests of society. 

J. 0. Griffith. 

Evidence of H. H. Aynett. 

Mr. H. H. Aynett, of Pulaski, Tennessee, being called and duly 
sworn, deposes and says: 

His name is H. H. Aynett; that he is 43 years old, resides in 
Pulaski, Tennessee, and is, and has been for the last 18 months, 
the police officer of said town of Pulaski, Tennessee. 

Question. Do you know anything of an organization in your 
county of Giles, commonly known as tne Ku Klux Klan? 

Answer. I do not, of my own knowledge. 

Q. Have you seen any masked men, mounted or dismounted, 
for the last 12 months, in the town of Pulaski, Tennessee? 

A. I have. I saw small squads of masked men in Pulaski, on 
or before the night of the 4th of July, 1868, at different times. 
On the night of the 4th of July, 1868, I saw some two or three 
hundred masked and mounted men in the town of Pulaski, Tennes- 
see, and some on foot. 

Q. Were they armed? 

A. I think that I saw some pistols among them. 

Q. Did you know any one of them? 

A. I did not recognize any of them. 

Q. Did you not discover that some of the young gentlemen of 
the town was missing, if not in the party of masked men? 

A. I noticed carfully, and think that I saw the most of the 
young men of the town, and they were not among the masked 
party. The party did not harm any one. 

Q. Has there been any offences or violations of law, committed 
in Pulaski for the last twelve months, by masked men? 

A. Mr. Richardson was taken from jail forcibly — it is reported 
by the jailer, himself — by masked men. Also, a colored man was 
taken from the jail and shot dead, in Pulaski, by a masked party, 
so the jailer said. I had a jury of inquest held over him, myself. 
I summoned the jury. On last Monday night, there were parties 
in mask, armed, or said to be, went to the house of Mrs. T. Butler, 
a colored Union woman, who lives near the corporation of Puhiski, 
Tennessee, and called for her son, telling her that they desired to 
see him about having whipped her. She informed them that he 



60 

had whipped her; and told them that he was at the lime kiln, some 
half mile from there. They went to the^ lime-kiln and called for 
Thomas Butler, and he broke to run, when the party fired upon 
him, and accidentally shot another colored man, who was near by. 
Butler did not get hurt. I have diligently enquired to learn who 
the parties were, but have not been able to learn, but the majority 
of white and colored people, believe that it was colored men. 

Q. Please state all yoa know about the shooting of a colored 
man who worked at the oiEce of the Pulaski Citizen, Giles Coun- 
ty, Tennessee, by some of the citizens of Lincoln County, Tennes- 
see, some days ago. 

A. I don't know that he works at the office, but think he works 
for Mr. McCord, the publisher of the Qitizen. 

Some of the citizens of Lincoln, was at Pulaski, Tennessee, on 
the 18th of this month, and left there intoxicated; and it was reported 
that they met and shot the man about one-and-a-half miles from 
town, on the Fayetteville road. Some two days after, there was a 
capias directed by the Court, to the Sheriff of Lincoln County. It 
was placed in my hands, and I jjroceeded to the County of Lin- 
coln, to have the parties legally arrested, as directed by law, Avhich 
was done, and the parties were placed under bonds, for their ap- 
pearance at Court — December Term. 

Q. Do you believe that the law will be enforced in your county 
without extraordinary force? 

A. I do. H. H. Aymett. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 29th day of August, 
1868. W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of J. B. Hohdy. 

Mr. J. B. Hobdy, being called and duly sworn, deposes and says: 

His name is J. B. Ilobdy, that he is the Sherifi' of Sumner 
County, Tennessee; that he is about 44 years of age. 

Question. Do you know anything of an armed and masked or- 
ganization in your county, commonly known as the Ku Klux Klau? 

Answer. I do not, of my own personal knowledge; but from 
what I learn from other people in my county, I believe that there 
is such an organization, and that it is strong. In some settlements, 
or neigiiborhoo<ls, it is reported by the citizens, that at least two- 
thirds of the white citizens belong to said organization. 

Q. Have you heard of said organization committing any vio- 
lence in your settlement, or county? 



61 

A. I have. It was reported to me that said organization took 
a colored man from his house and whipped him severely, some 
weeks ago, near Gallatin, Tennessee, and some of the citizens ap- 
pear to indorse said conduct, whilst others appear to condemn it. 
Q. When was you elected as SheriiF of said Covmty? 
A. At the regular election in March last, and was qualified 
about the first of June last. 

Q. Have you been interfered with in the discharge of your du- 
ties as Sheriff? 
A. I have not. 

Q. What appears to be the feeling of the people as to the 
Presidential election; do they speak of voting any how, or of keep- 
ing others who are voters, from the polls? 

A. Some of them frequently declare they will vote any how. 
I have heard but one speak of driving off others from the polls. 
The people have been counciled by some lawyers and public speak- 
ers, to vote, if they had to constitute seperate polls from those con- 
stituted by law. 

Q, From what you can learn about the Ku Klux organization 
what appears to be its objects? 

A. I have concluded, from what I can hear, that its objects are 

to keep the colored people from voting in the Presidential election. 

Q. What party does this Order belong to? 

A. It appears to be composed of men who were in sympathy 

with the rebellion. I do not think that the regular Confederate 

soldiers, many of them, belong to said Order, in my county. 

Q. Was you in Gallatin on the 28th of March last, when the 
election was held for Chancellor? 
A. I was. 

Q. Did the citizens turn out in arras that day?' 
A. Many of them did. They said after the election was over, 
that they thought that they had about 500 armed men in town. I 
saw some of them standing at the windows, at different times, with 
pistols in their hands, on that day. On the following Monday, 
there was a great number in the town, armed. They said they came 
there to whip out Captain Phillips, who was in command of the 

police forces. 

Q. From all of the lights before you, do you think that the 
election can be held there in your county, for President, without the 
employment of extraordinary force, in November next? 



62 

A. Not if the United States troops were moved froiii there. 
I have been told by some of the colored voters, that they had been 
forced to vote contrary to their sentiments, under fear of being 
molested if they did not. I do not believe that a free and fair 
election can be held in all the dtstricts; without more than ordinary 
protection. I heard one J. P. declare that a negro should not vote 
at an election where he was. J. B. Hobdy. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me in Senate Military Committee 
room, this 29th day of August, 1868. 

J, F. Lauck, Chancellor 7th Div. 

Evidence of W. A. Kelly, of Maury County, Tennessee. 

Mr. W. A. Kelly, being called and duly sworn as directed by 
law, deposes and says: 

His name is W. A. Kelly; that he resides about five miles West 
of Mount Pleasant, Maury County, Tennessee; that he is, by occu- 
pation, a farmer, and made a crop there this year; that he is about 
28 years of age. 

Q. Was you a soldier during the late war? 

A. I was. 

Q. In what army? 

A. Federal army; 1st Florida Regiment of Cavalry, Co. D., 
commanded by Captain Rowlin Rumbar. 

Q. Was you honorably discharged the service? 

A. I was, about the 3d of Sept., 1865. 

Q. How long have you lived where you now live? 

A. About two years. 

Q. Are you a voter there? 

A. I am. 

Q. Did you vote there in the Spring election for county officers? 

A. I did, at Mount Pleasant. 

Q. Was there any disturbance at the polls; or did any one try 
to keep the voters fiom voting as they desired, by threats? 

A. Tbere was some disturbance, and I heard some men making 
threats against tiie voters if they did not vote against the Union 
ticket. I saw one man present his pistol at a colored voter, and 
say tahiin that if lie did not vote as lir wisheil, he should not vote 
at all. 

Q. Did any (»ne try to prcveul iliis in your presence? 

A. They (lid. 



63 

Q. Have you, at any time, since you have lived there, been in- 
terrupted? 

A. Not till Tuesday night last. Then a band of men masked 
and armed, about 14 in number, came to my house about ten or 
eleven o'clock at night, and violently broke down my doors, and 
came into my house and called for me. I had left the house, get- 
ting out at the window. My wife told them I was out. They fired 
at me as I left my house, and swore they would kill me. They 
presented a pistol at my wife's head, and told her if she did not 
get my money for them, that they would kill her. She refused to 
get it for them, when they broke open my trunk and took $160 
out of it, and carried it away, and tore up my army discharge, and 
my certificate of registration, and turned the stock into my fields. 
They stayed about the place till a short time before daylight, and 
then left, after breaking up my shot-gun. 

Q. ^ Did you or your wife, recognize any of them? 

A. We did not. 

Q Did you leave home, for fear of being killed? 

A. I did, as the Klan swore they would have me, if I remained 
on the land. 

Q. Have you heard the rebels say anything as regards the elec- 
tion for President, in November next? 

A. I have heard them say that if they were not allowed to 
vote, that they would not allow any one else to vote in said election. 

Q. From what you can see and learn, is this generally the feel- 
ings of the rebels, or the Democratic party, there? 

A. It is the conclusion that I have come to from all of the 
actions of said parties, as lately revealed. 

Q. When this party was at your house, did they say anything 
about you having been in the Federal army? 

A. They said that no damned Union soldier or Abolitionist 
should live in the county. 

Q. Did the party call any names when they were at your 
house? 

A. They did call names. Some of the party cried out, "shoot 
him, Knox, Tom Brown, and Oliver Williams!" I heard this dis- 
tinctly. 

Q. AVho did you think these names represented? 

A. I thought the name "Knox," representeJWvnox Canidy, 
who lives near me. The name "Tom Brown," such a man lives in 
about a mile of my house, and I think that he is tlic man. "Oliver 



64 

Williams," lives in about one-half mile of my house. I am of the 
opinion, that he was the man whose name was called, . and who Avas 
there. 

Q. Do you think that any Union man, who is free to speak, and 
advocate the cause of the Republican party, as Whigs and Demo- 
crats used to do, would he allowed to live in that county without be- 
ing molested? 

A. I do not. I believe the he would be killed. 

his 
W. A. M Kelly. 
Witness — W. A. Garnek. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this day. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Moses Boddy. 

Mr. Moses Boddy, being called and duly sworn, deposes and 
says : 

He is 28 years of age; is, by occupation, a farmer; resides in 
about three miles of Cornersville, Tennessee; has lived there about 
three years. 

Question. Was you a soldier during the late war? 

A. I was not. 

Q. Do you know anything of an organization commonly known 
as the Ku Klux organization? 

A. I do. I saw some thirty men," masked and armed, in April 
last. They came to my house at night, called for my pistols and 
gun. I did not let them in my house. They asked for my certifi- 
cate of registration, and said that they were going to have them. 
I saw them some time in May, again, they came back to my 
house. I was hid. They called for me — told my wife that I had 
as well come and give myself up, for they would have me if I 
stayed in the State. 

They came to my house again about the first of July, 18G8; and 
rode around the house, about ton in number; cocked tlicir pistols; 
called for me again. I th'.'n left home, and went and lived with 
Mr. Braider, and Doctor Boid, on tiie Nashville & Decatur Rail- 
road, near Lynuville, Giles County, Tennessee. I worked for them 
for about threo^vceks, during which time, four armed, masked men 
came to where I was at work. I went to see Mr. John Braiden 
about it, and he told me if I had a pistol, I had better give it up, 
and that quick; that if I did not, I would not be living two hours 



65 

from that time; that I had no business with a revolver. I went 
and got my clothing, and left for home. When I got there, I was 
informed by my wife, that they had been to my house after me^ I 
kept myself concealed until a few days ago, when I sufifered it to 
^^e known that I was at home, when the Ku Klux came again after 
me, and I left and came to Nashville, to keep from being killed by 
them. 

Q. Did you make a crop this year? 

A. I did; and am not able to gather it, unless I can be pro- 
tected there. his 

Moses X Boddy. 

Wittness — W. A. Garner. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this day. 

W. J. Smith, Ch'm. Com. 

Evidence of Tliomas Harrell. 

Mr. Thomas Harrell, being called and duly sw/)rn, deposes and 
says : He is about twenty-five years of age; resides in Giles 
county, Tennessee; has lived there for more than a year; is by 
occupation a farmer; made a crop this year with Mr. Brite Bearges, 
for a part of the crop. 

Question. Have you seen, at any time, any parties in your settle- 
ment in disguise or mask? 

Answer. I have. 

Q. When was the first time you saw such parties? 

A, In July last — about the first days. There were some sixteen 
^n number. 

Q. Were they armed? 

A, They were. 

Q. What did they say to you, or in your hearing? 

A. They said that they were going \m kill us. 

Q. Did they come in the house? 

A. They did not. I refused to let them in the house. They got 
a rail to break down the door, and I, and Mr. Moses Boddy, who was 
in the house with me, told them that he would kill any man that 
broke down the door, and they left. 

Q. Have you seen them since? 

A. I have, often. 

Q. When were they at your house last? 

A. I was at home some three weeks ago, and my wife told mo 
that they had been there the night before, four in number, and 
took her and forcibly violated her person. 
5 



66 

Q. Do jou know any of the men -.vlio belong to this organization. 

A. I do. 

Q. Do they live in that county? 

A. They do. 4 

Q. Were they rebels or Union men. 

A. Rebels. 

Q. Are you afraid to stay at home? 

A. I am; and lay out all or a good part of tiie Summer, to keep 
from being killed. 

Q. Was any other person violated in your settlement? 

A. There has been others. * 

Q. Who by? 

A. I do not know. 

Q. Have you heard any one say anything about the ejection for 
President? 

A. I have heard the rebels say often, that if they did not vote in 
the Presidential election that no one else should. These remarks 
are general and common there. 

Q. Can the voters there who are in fiivor of General Grant ex- 
press themselves without being in danger? 

A. They cannot. his 

Thomas X Harrell. 

Attest — W. A. Garner. mark. 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, 

W. J. Smith, 
Ch'm. Com. on Military. 

Obiox County, Tennessee, 
August 17th, 1868. 
Mr. R. a. Hewatt; — 

Dem' Sir: Yours of the Tth came to hand, and 
I am sorry to tell you that the Ku Klux have raided this county 
over. They have visited almost every negro cabin in the county, 
and taken every pistol and gun from the negroes they could get 
their hands on; and if they gave any offense they got knocked and 
kicked very unmercifully. They beat Nath and Jim, the two negroes 
that belonged to Gid Fox, for refusing to give up their guns. They 
threaten the negroes with certain death, if they ever attempt to vote 
or carry arms again. They have visited some Union men's houses, 
but have not done serious damage yet. Some of, and I might say 
almost all the rebels are elated with the prospect of soon getting the 
government into their hands. They say they intend to vote, i^ 



67 

there is any voting done; and if Brownlow goes to organize any 
militia here they will break it up. There has not been such a re- 
joicing here since the fall of Fort Pillow, or the death of Senator 
Case, as there is over the triumph of the Ku Klux. There will be 
no election here without soldiers, sure. They have got up petitions 
to the Leirislature to o;ive them the franchise, and induced some 
weak-kneed Union men to sign them; and at the same time had 
the bloody Ku Klux prowling the country over, and robbing the 
negroes of evervtliino; thev wanted. 

Yours, respectfully. 



Such, Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate, is the 
evidence adduced before your committee, of outrages commit- 
ted by the Ku Klux Klan. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

W. J. S.AIITH, 
Ch'm. Senate Committee. 

W. F. PROSSER, 

Ch'm. House Committee. 

Ordered to be printed September 2d, 180S. 



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